ARLINGTON, Texas — Former Carson-Newman punter Chris Jones has signed a rookie free agent deal with the Dallas Cowboys.
Jones was one of 20 rookie free agents signed by the Cowboys this week. He joins returning starter Mat McBriar, who was an undrafted rookie free agent in 2003, as the only punters in camp.
Jones wrapped up a stellar career for the Eagles in 2010. The four-time All-SAC performer averaged a league-best 42.1 yards per punt last season and delivered a career-long 73-yard punt in the season opener against Winona State. Jones landed 15 punts inside the opponent's 20-yard-line and had nine punts of 50 yards or more.
The Rome, Ga., native averaged 40.3 yards per punt for his career, landed 46 punts inside the opponent's 20-yard-line and produced 20 punts of 50 yards or more.
The Cowboys opened training camp on Wednesday. Dallas' first preseason game is on Thursday, Aug. 11 against Denver at Cowboys Stadium.