Jets’ Jones: a good fit in Seattle

Is it time for the Seahawks to make a play for Jets running back Thomas Jones?

Michael Lombardi wrote about this scenario months ago here at the NFP, and last night, our own Brad Biggs broke the news that the Jets are interested in moving the running back after the emergence of rookie Shonn Greene of Iowa — and I can’t think of a better option than the Seahawks.

Let’s face it — the Jets can’t have three ball carriers. Leon Washington is dynamic and can make plays in the passing game, and Greene is a downhill back who can move the sticks and wear down defenses in the fourth quarter.

APThomas Jones

Jones -- well, he just doesn’t fit anymore. I’m sure the Jets would have no problem unloading his contract, which was the center of attention all offseason. Plus, it’s time for the Jets to lock up Washington for the future, and they don’t want Jones in town when that happens.

But what about the Seahawks, and what do they have to offer?

It would be nice for the Jets to pick up another weapon that they can use outside the numbers in the passing game. They already have two backs in Washington and Greene and a tight end in Dustin Keller (who I believe has the skill set of a Chris Cooley of the ‘Skins), but outside of Jerricho Cotchery, the cupboard is pretty bare at wide receiver.

Add in the fact that a rookie, Mark Sanchez, could come out on top in the quarterback competition, and this move makes sense — if the Jets can get the right guy.

That guy, in my opinion, is Seattle WR Deion Branch, who is already listed on the second line in the team’s first depth chart.

Think about it: The Jets get the receiver they need — a proven guy — and the Seahawks get Jones, pairing him with his brother Julius for a pretty dynamic attack in the west coast system, which relies on the running back to make plays in both the running and the passing game.

Sure, T.J. Duckett is still in the mix out west, but he isn’t the answer for what the Seahawks are trying to do on offense. The club already acquired T.J. Houshmandzadeh during free agency, they have Nate Burleson and they drafted Deon Butler out of Penn State.

APDeion Branch

Branch, on the other hand, is a luxury — and it’s time for them to use that luxury to bring in another weapon that’s right for their system.

Is this speculation? Of course it is, but the mere fact that the Jets are willing to move Jones opens options not only for their own roster, but for a team such as Seattle, which is trying to get back on top in the NFC West.

We usually don’t see trades at this point in the season, but teams know what they have moving forward. The Jets see it in Washington and Greene, and it’s time for the Seahawks to take advantage of it and get another weapon of their own.

Follow me on Twitter: MattBowen41

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