Some Thoughts on the Thomas Jones Trade
As we all know, Thomas Jones has been traded to the Jets, but what’s the story with the compensation for Thomas Jones? The word according to the AP and ESPN’s Michael Smith is that the Jets will swap second round picks with the Bears moving the Jets #37 for the Bears #63, which according to the draft pick value chart, equates to the value of a high third round pick. If this is the case, that seems like a pretty good deal to me.
Until we get a formal announcement, I doubt that we will know for sure, but according to a media-type I know, there should be a formal announcement tomorrow by the Jets (pending a Suggs-esque physical from Dr. Jellyfinger, I presume).
In seven seasons, Thomas Jones is coming off the second most yards of his career (296 carries, 1210 yards, 6TD) where he carried the ball for an average of 4.1 yards per carry. For an organization that is looking for a player to fit into a committee, Jones is a player who plays his best when he stays between 6-15 touches per game (4.6 YPC in 2007). Although names like Dominic Rhodes, Chris Brown, Ahman Green, Travis Henry and TJ Duckett are on the free agent market, they weren’t that inspiring. Looking at the list, Jones seems like a better option than any of the guys just mentioned. Here’s a scouting report on Jones:
Jones has excellent overall run skills: outstanding initial quickness, a lot of “wiggle” and a second gear in space. He can be extremely dangerous on the second level. He changes directions quickly and can cut against the grain to force defenders to overrun tackles. He can put together moves in the open field and outrun a defense. He has improved in pass protection and knows how to square up and get position. He has decent hands and can be effective on swing and screen passes or even in the slot. He rarely turns the ball over. His overall dependability has improved by leaps and bounds since his early years as an NFL underachiever. But for a back with his skill set and who earns plenty of touches, Jones doesn’t deliver many big plays or seem to be particularly creative. He gets nicked up when carrying a full load, despite solid size and the ability to avoid big hits.
So I have to admit, when I first saw the news a few hours ago that the Jets traded for Thomas Jones, I wasn’t sure what to think, and for full disclosure, when this rumor sprung up out of Chicago over a month ago, I was dubious about Jones working out for the Jets. My view of Jones is tainted by what I saw from him early in his career, and I have pretty much dismissed him outright based on his time with the Cardinals and Bucs, which is totally unfair. All that being said, here is a Pro/Con on Jones:
Pros:
- The Jets get a proven 1000 yard rusher, even in committee work, who still has some gas in the tank. Leon can assume his natural role, while the Jets consider if Houston is worth holding onto.
- Over the past three years in Chicago, Jones has played well. He struggled while on the Cards, but who doesn’t?
- Based on what was on the market and filling the need at RB allows the Jets to focus on they need most through free agency and the draft: DL, CB, OL & LB.
- Rather than use an early pick on an unproven commodity, the Jets get a guy who played well under pressure, most notably during the second half of the season and into the playoffs.
- Jones is a good “canvas” with which Schottenheimer can work in the backfield.
- Jones knows about working hard, a lesson learned from his mother and father. Rumor is he is a gym rat … real Mangini type.
- The Jets get Jones effectively for a high third round pick.
- Jones work against the AFC East last year.
-
- Week 5 – BUF (21 carries, 110 yards)
- Week 9 – MIA (20 carries, 69 yards)
- Week 11 – NYJ (23 carries, 121 yards)
- Week 12 – NE (23 carries, 99 yards)
- Jones work in the playoffs.
-
- Divisional – SEA (21 carries, 66 yards, 2 TD)
- Conference – NO (19 carries, 123 yards, 2TD)
- SuperBowl – IND (15 carries, 112 yards)
Cons:
- Can he fill the “hard yardage” role for the Jets?
- Will Jones want more than a committee role? That’s just what he came from and he wanted a trade.
- How different is the offensive line? The Bears sent two Offensive Lineman (replacements) to the Pro Bowl in Olin Kreutz (C) and Ruben Brown (LG). Add to those two, Fred Miller (RT), Roberto Garza (RG) and John Tait (LT). How will the Jets measure up? The Jets’ line is up and coming, but D’Brickashaw has a lot of work to do in the running game, and the team might possibly be losing arguably their best run blocker in Anthony Clement.
- How much does Jones really have left? He’s 28 and most RBs hit the wall around 30.
- What is the cap hit to the Jets by bringing him on board, will Jones be willing to restructure his deal?
Filed under: Main Page, Opinion/Bassett
I love this deal, I really can’t find too many cons in it. Yes Jones will be 29 when the season starts, but he really doesn’t have too much wear and tear on him from all those years out in Arizona. Plus he’s been sharing the load with Cedric Benson. You have to look at the RB market, Ahman Green who is 30 and has a lot more wear and tear then Jones just got a 4 year deal from the Texans. The Jets Basically stole Jones from Chicago for a 2nd round pick that we stole from the Redskins in last years draft. Throw in the fact that we got the Bears 2nd round pick and it makes this deal that much better. We still have leverage in two 2nd round picks if we want to move up or just continue to build. The Jets are getting a proven power back who may just be hitting his prime and he knows about playing in cold harsh weather out in Chicago. He should be a perefect compliment for Leon Washington, we have a nice 1-2 mix of speed and power now. Jones is also good in picking up the blitz and is good in receiving out of the backfield. I’m hearing the deal is worth about $12 million in guaranteed doe and is similar to the deal Travis Henry got in Denver. I think I’ll take Jones over Henry, especially with Henry’s checkered past. I wouldn’t worry about the offensive line either, while the Bears line is better then the Jets, Mangold and D-Brick are a year older and should be that much better and we’ll add either Columbo or resign Clement.
I think you under-report Jones’ ‘pros’ as they pertain to the Jets. He is a good receiver whose skills were underutilized in CHI because Grossman is so inaccurate (arguably the worst short passer in the league). Jones played behind a better line in CHI but will have a much, much better QB for his purposes in NYC. The exchange works to Jones’ advantage. Its conceivable that the Jets will sign Columbo, a road grader, and draft a guard with one of the first three picks – there are some really good, and big, offensive linemen that will be there for the Jets in the bottom of the second round – and have a line with good upside potential.
Though, if they can sign Columbo I would expect the Jets to shore up the defense with their first day draft picks.
In any event, the Jets have a solid piece in Jones and can move on from here to address other pressing needs.
How can you not be happy about this move? They got a proven starting-caliber running back with some tread left for swapping an extra pick they had in the same round!
To all those out there who were grumbling about the Jets being left behind in the free agent frenzy — clearly this management team is paying attention and looking to improve the team with good players and value rather than just throw their $$$ at any body that can fog a mirror.
Keep in mind these are the same guys that wrangled a #1 pick for a disenfranchised and perennially hurt Abraham — they are paying attention and doing their due diligence. Have a little faith and patience.
Bassett you sound like a (paranoid) Jet’s fan..every con you listed isn’t a con, but questions that would come with ANY acquisition..even if we traded for LT you can still ask all those questions..yes, they’re valid points, but they are NOT cons on TJ..the dude rarely gets injured and killed in the post season..if you want proof that this guy will be an asset to our team check out what bears fans are saying..I posted some quotes from dabearsblogs.com on the last post..their reactions are the equivalent that ours would be if the jets traded mangold and kerry rhodes for a third round pick..they are disgusted because they are losing their best offensive weapon (granted it wasn’t that great of an O)..for what we gave up and what we’re getting this is an awesome transaction for the Jets..being that he has a relatively lowamount of touches over the years, it looks like TJ has many more years of producticity
For the record, I do like the deal, I was trying to take an objective approach at midnight… clearly didn\’t work out too well. :D
yes!! iv wanted thomas Jones all offseason and we got him..hes hard nose runner and has goodspeed..woo hooo thats what im talking about Bassett
Am I the only one who is having trouble adjusting to the fact that the Jets’ management are now making smart decisions? Although I was excited about having an early 2nd round pick, it would appear that the Jets received great value in TJ and simply trading 2nd round picks. It was only 2 short seasons ago that the Jets traded their 1st round pick for Jolley!
Also, Will made a good point above that I want to reiterate. TJ is a decent receiver, which I would imagine is a valuable commodity in this offense particularly given Chad’s strengths.
Any word as to whether the Jets are going to address the FB position?
Just a brilliant move because of what little the Jets gave up for him. I know that they’ll have to spend some money to lock him up, but judging from Ahman Green’s insane contract, he would’ve gotten a boat load of cash in free agency. He is not the ideal complement for Leon, but Addai and Rhodes did very well for the Colts with similar skill sets. When you think about it, this deal fits the Schott ideal of placing maximum pressure on the D at all times. If a Duckett comes in, you play 8 in the box and have little concern about passes in the flat or him breaking through to the second level. But, Jones and Leon are both terrors at the second level and can do everything in the passing game. Now, I feel a lot better about the running game. Upgrading the OL won’t be hard, the draft has plenty of intriguing OG prospects and lots of OGs and OTs are cut during training camp. Although, I’d like to see Clement re-signed, better the devil you know.
I know someone already suggested this, but I have to stress the point…
Check out what the Bears fans are saying on their blog…
http://www.dabearsblog.com/2007/03/welcome_to_511.php
I promise. You will all LOVE this.
I agree it was a good deal because we were able to get Jones for so little, but do Leon Washington and Thomas Jones compliment each other well? I just hope the Jets still utilize and develop the incredible skills which Washington possesses
wow this is a great deal….forget the age because hes been sharing his carries the past year and seems very excited to come to new york. with this trade the jets could be a proven contender. plan mangini is working out quite well if you ask me