Thomas Jones, who will be officially released by the Jets on Friday, is an intriguing free agent at the running back position.
And, if you are in need of a veteran back that can produce in a two-back system — plus score in the red zone — it would be wise to entertain the idea of making an offer to Jones.
Last week, the NFP’s Joe Fortenbaugh floated the idea of Jones ending up in Philly under Andy Reid. With Brian Westbrook now on the streets, it would make sense for the Eagles to look for a veteran back such as Jones to pair with Shady McCoy in the west coast system.
But, what about San Diego?
Jones would be a perfect fit for Norv Turner’s system out west. Despite the numbers that QB Philip Rivers puts up, this is an offense that is predicated on the downhill power running game to set up the vertical and play-action passing game. The Lead Strong, the Lead Open and the Power O (FB kick out, guard pull) are staples of the Chargers running game — downhill with a chance for the back to get to the second level.
It is as basic as it comes, but that is Turner when it comes to the running game, and once the Chargers cross the twenty-yard line, the head coach wants to see production out of his backs in the red zone.
LT is gone, Darren Sproles is going to test free agency and the Chargers may be starting fresh in the backfield. Could Jones fit in with a possible rookie from this April’s draft? A player like Georgia Tech’s Jonathan Dwyer, who could slip in the draft after his 40-yard dash time in Indy?
Of course, and despite his decline in production during the postseason, he is still a back that is accountable and will show up on Sundays — and in the locker room — where the decision to let Jones walk is not sitting well with the current Jets players.
I don’t see Jones having as much value as a back like Chester Taylor when it comes to the open market, but he is still a player that clubs need to look at.
And, if I am A.J. Smith of the Chargers, I start studying the film on what he can provide for Turner.
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For a look at other possible destinations for Jones, check out this article from Bleacher Report.
Jones and Dwyer would be a sick backfield in SD. Why not float him a one-year deal and see what you can get out of him?
It still puzzles & annoys me that Tampa let him go.
Mike J, If you want to go back even further, Arizona drafted the guy 7th overall, and gave up on him after 2 years, trading him to Tampa for WR Marquis Walker (Who? Exactly). Tampa gave up after only 1 season, allowing him to hit free agency, and sign with the Bears. There, he led the Bears to the Super Bowl, and was traded to make way for high pick, Cedric Benson, who was later released, and has now re-emerged as Cincinnatti's bell cow back.
Thomas Jones, the most underappreciated man in the NFL.
How many RBs have the Cardinals gone through since?
As a Bolts fan, I love the idea of TJ in their backfield...or Chester Taylor, for that matter. I'm pretty sure the Jets will regret their decision, especially in an uncapped year.
You cant pay a backup RB 5.8m a year, stop blaming the jets on this. They paid him well in the time he was there, if he ends up with anything near 5.8m for one season this year, I will eat my hat.
He is a nice back, but he is 31 years old, and there are 20 backs like him on practice squads right now for 1/10 of the price. Lets not get crazy. The Jets will be fine without him. And I am sure there will be another RB in camp besides Greene and Washington.
1) Not $5.8M a year, $2.8M a year. He was due a $3M roster bonus.
2) Backup RB? 331 carries last season say TJ was the starter. Greene was the backup (108 carries), in case you hadn't noticed. And he wouldn't have gotten that many if it hadn't been for Leon Washington going down in the middle of the season. All TJ did was to be the #10, #5, and #3 rusher in the NFL in the past three seasons.
He's also a solid leader and a workout warrior, well worth that kind of money.
Jones has a reputation for being a handful when he is not starting or getting the reps he thinsk he deserves. I don't see him as the guy anymore and the question is can he settle for second? He is good in pass protection and catching the ball. A good red zone threat. But not an every down back or close to it.
From my understanding the Chargers would need to have one of their FA signed (Sproles?) before they can sign another FA. True?
I love Thomas Jones but he does not really fit Mike Martz's system. He is a very good back still and a west coast system is best for him. Darren Sproles would be very interesting for the Bears, though that makes to much sense for it to ever happen.
Shannon Sorensen-
The Chargers do not have to lose one of their FAs first before signing Jones because he is being released rather than being an UFA (ie with an expiring contract). As such, by rule he is not technically an UFA and can be signed by any team.
Regards
Yojimbo....3m plus 2.8m=5.8m, and he was not going to be the starter this year, it was very obvious watching the playoffs that Greene is their man.
been a jets fan for 44 years, they have made some outrageous errors in the past, but you cant
blame them on this one.......they have Dbrick/Revis/Mangold/Harris to extend soon, and you cant pay for past production, especially at positions like rb, where you can find quality in late rounds in the draft.......
Jets will be fine, losing Jones will not be a factor in their season this year....Jenkins health, Sanchez development, and shoring up the secondary will be their keys this year. Some young legs on the DL, and a guard /right tackle to replace faneca/woody down the road will help as well in the draft.
Why would the Chargers sign a 31 yr old RB when they just released a 30 yr old HOF RB? The Chargers are completely overhauling the running game from philosophy to personnel. The running game does not have to be dominant, just efficient to compliment the genius of Norv/Rivers. It was neither last year. This will likely mean a road grading right tackle and the addition of youthful RBs (2 rookies, 1 vet). The key to obtaining a young veteran RB will be trading Cromartie. Thomas Jones? NO WAY!
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Mar 02, 2010
12:01 PM
Don't forget about a Chicago reunion with Jerry Angelo.