Cowboys' Jerry Jones: Morris Claiborne has earned fifth-year contract option

The career of Dallas Cowboys cornerback Morris Claiborne hasn't gone as planned, but that doesn't mean the team is looking to move on just yet.

Despite a difficult first two seasons and missing nearly all of 2014 with a torn patellar tendon, owner Jerry Jones indicated Tuesday that Claiborne has done enough to justify the Cowboys picking up the fifth-year option on his contract, according to the Dallas Morning News' Brandon George.

Claiborne, the sixth-overall pick in the 2012 draft, would have to have his option for the 2016 season picked up later this spring to prevent him from becoming an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2015 campaign.

While Jones' comments may come as somewhat of a surprise given the cornerback's lack of production, continuing to bet on his talent and keeping him around for another season could be worth the gamble given the Cowboys' depth issues in the defensive backfield.

The 24-year-old has appeared in 29 games thus far, tallying three interceptions and 88 total tackles.