Assuming Chicago is willing to talk turkey... (1 Viewer)

[Raider Nation]

Jones wants to be a starting RB, but he probably has no say in the matter regarding where he is traded. So let's look at it from the perspective of other teams. Which clubs could use his services, either as the starter or the top backup?

Top of my head, I'd say:

Dolphins (Makes sense with Ricky suspended)

Jets (C-Mart is 80 years old... Houston & Blaylock are nothing special)

Browns (Droughns/legal problems... Green/head case... Suggs/always injured)

Steelers (You don't really think Staley & Haynes can replace The Bus, do you?)

Broncos (Why not? There is no T.D. or Portis on this roster)

Chiefs (Assuming Priest does not return)

Eagles (T.J. would be the perfect compliment to Westbrook/Moats)

Falcons (Would make a nice 1-2 punch with Dunn... upgrade over Duckett)

49ers (They have three decent RBs. Jones is better than each of them)

Did I miss any teams? Do you disagree with any of the teams I listed?

I would have included the Colts until they drafted Addai.

The Lions could use Jones, but I don't see him being traded to a division rival.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

The Lions could use Jones, but I don't see him being traded to a division rival.

the Packers and Vikings could use him even more than the Lions

 

[shredhead]

Steelers (You don't really think Staley & Haynes can replace The Bus, do you?)

Fast Willie Parker down?

 

[EBF]

The Steelers would be a great fit, but I don't know if they have the ammunition needed to make the trade. Maybe a 2007 2nd could get it done.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Dolphins (Makes sense with Ricky suspended)

Chiefs (Assuming Priest does not return)

Eagles (T.J. would be the perfect compliment to Westbrook/Moats)

I think these 3 teams are very unlikely as I don't think he'd sign an extension with any of them. Few teams will give up much in a trade for a 1-year rental player. Thus, his value to the Bears for a year is likely greater than what he would bring in trade from these teams.

 

[Raider Nation]

Steelers (You don't really think Staley & Haynes can replace The Bus, do you?)

Fast Willie Parker down?

Yeah, I forgot ALL about him.......

 

[cstu]

You really think TJ is just a backup willing to sit on the bench behind a stud RB?

 

[Raider Nation]

The Lions could use Jones, but I don't see him being traded to a division rival.

the Packers and Vikings could use him even more than the Lions

Looking at the depth charts, I'm not sure I agree. If everyone comes back healthy for Green Bay, they are stacked. And I think the trio of Taylor/Moore/Fason is better than the crap sitting behind Kevin Jones, who appears to be made of glass.

 

[Raider Nation]

You really think TJ is just a backup willing to sit on the bench behind a stud RB?

No. I addressed that in the first sentence of my original post.He wants out of Chicago. Period. I don't think Angelo is going to give him milk and cookies and ask him to write down a list of places he wants to go. If the Bears deal him, it will be because they got what they consider to be fair value. As Metallica said... nothing else matters.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

The Lions could use Jones, but I don't see him being traded to a division rival.

the Packers and Vikings could use him even more than the Lions

Looking at the depth charts, I'm not sure I agree. If everyone comes back healthy for Green Bay, they are stacked. And I think the trio of Taylor/Moore/Fason is better than the crap sitting behind Kevin Jones, who appears to be made of glass.

apart from Ahman Green, whose health is a big concern, Kevin Jones is better than any RB on the Vikings or Packers rosters.

 

[Raider Nation]

The Lions could use Jones, but I don't see him being traded to a division rival.

the Packers and Vikings could use him even more than the Lions

Looking at the depth charts, I'm not sure I agree. If everyone comes back healthy for Green Bay, they are stacked. And I think the trio of Taylor/Moore/Fason is better than the crap sitting behind Kevin Jones, who appears to be made of glass.

apart from Ahman Green, whose health is a big concern, Kevin Jones is better than any RB on the Vikings or Packers rosters.

You think he's willing to make a living between the tackles like T.J. does? T. Jones is a sledgehammer with good quicks who likes to mix it up.

K. Jones would rather turn the corner, avoid contact and run out of bounds.

They would make a nice tandem, IMO.

 

[Noahs Troopers]

You really think TJ is just a backup willing to sit on the bench behind a stud RB?

He wants out of Chicago. Period.

Where are you getting this information that he wants out of Chicago. Period?

 

[Raider Nation]

You really think TJ is just a backup willing to sit on the bench behind a stud RB?

He wants out of Chicago. Period.

Where are you getting this information that he wants out of Chicago. Period?

He asked for a trade. It was well-publicized.

 

[Raider Nation]

Here's one, for example.

LINK

By Bob LeGere

Daily Herald Sports Writer

Posted Wednesday, June 07, 2006

As two of the most important players from last year’s 11-5 NFC North championship squad, Briggs and Jones want new contracts but essentially have no bargaining power.

Jones has two years left on a four-year, $10 million deal he signed as an unrestricted free agent after the 2003 season. He would welcome a trade to a team willing to redo his contract.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Here's one, for example.

LINK

By Bob LeGere

Daily Herald Sports Writer

Posted Wednesday, June 07, 2006

As two of the most important players from last year’s 11-5 NFC North championship squad, Briggs and Jones want new contracts but essentially have no bargaining power.

Jones has two years left on a four-year, $10 million deal he signed as an unrestricted free agent after the 2003 season. He would welcome a trade to a team willing to redo his contract.

saying he'd "welcome a trade" is a bit different than saying "he wants out of Chicago, period." Personally, I think this is all much ado about nothing. living in Chicago, most reports here indicate that this is just posturing from Jones. I don't expect he'll hold out, and I think he'll start for the Bears in week 1.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

The Lions could use Jones, but I don't see him being traded to a division rival.

the Packers and Vikings could use him even more than the Lions

Looking at the depth charts, I'm not sure I agree. If everyone comes back healthy for Green Bay, they are stacked. And I think the trio of Taylor/Moore/Fason is better than the crap sitting behind Kevin Jones, who appears to be made of glass.

apart from Ahman Green, whose health is a big concern, Kevin Jones is better than any RB on the Vikings or Packers rosters.

You think he's willing to make a living between the tackles like T.J. does? T. Jones is a sledgehammer with good quicks who likes to mix it up.

K. Jones would rather turn the corner, avoid contact and run out of bounds.

They would make a nice tandem, IMO.

I think Kevin Jones runs with more power than Thomas Jones. I saw him light up some linebackers last year. I don't think he has any fear of running between the tackles.

 

[fridayfrenzy]

With how teams are handling players these days, they will make him sit for awhile beofre having to deal him.

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

I think Kevin Jones runs with more power than Thomas Jones. I saw him light up some linebackers last year. I don't think he has any fear of running between the tackles.

I agree with Aaron.

 

[SSOG]

I think Thomas Jones to Denver would be 100% against Shanahan's established Modus Operandi. In 2004, he let Portis go. In 2005, he let Droughns go. In 2006, he let Anderson go. That's three straight years he's let his leading rusher walk. Why? Because they all wanted fat contracts, and Shanahan knew he could replace them for dirt cheap.

Why, now would he pick up Jones then, when the reason Jones want out of Chicago is because he wants a fat contract?

I could always be wrong, but I would be absolutely shocked to see Jones wind up in Denver.

 

[Keepers]

Here's one, for example.

LINK

By Bob LeGere

Daily Herald Sports Writer

Posted Wednesday, June 07, 2006

As two of the most important players from last year’s 11-5 NFC North championship squad, Briggs and Jones want new contracts but essentially have no bargaining power.

Jones has two years left on a four-year, $10 million deal he signed as an unrestricted free agent after the 2003 season. He would welcome a trade to a team willing to redo his contract.

Chicago isn't willing to redo his contract, don't see any of the teams discussed redoing it either.

 

[Liquid Tension]

Dolphins (Makes sense with Ricky suspended)

Chiefs (Assuming Priest does not return)

Eagles (T.J. would be the perfect compliment to Westbrook/Moats)

I think these 3 teams are very unlikely as I don't think he'd sign an extension with any of them. Few teams will give up much in a trade for a 1-year rental player. Thus, his value to the Bears for a year is likely greater than what he would bring in trade from these teams.

TJ has two years remaining on I believe it is about 2.5 mil a year

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Dolphins (Makes sense with Ricky suspended)

Chiefs (Assuming Priest does not return)

Eagles (T.J. would be the perfect compliment to Westbrook/Moats)

I think these 3 teams are very unlikely as I don't think he'd sign an extension with any of them. Few teams will give up much in a trade for a 1-year rental player. Thus, his value to the Bears for a year is likely greater than what he would bring in trade from these teams.

TJ has two years remaining on I believe it is about 2.5 mil a year

thanks for the info. I was just assuming he had one year left but didn't look it up. Even with 2 years left, I can't see him being happier in any of these places than he would be in Chicago.

 

[WittyName]

the Dolphins, one year removed from taking a RB with the #2 overall pick would be more interested than the Colts, who took a back with the #30 pick?

Do wha?

Real solid logic here.

 

[Godsbrother]

Steelers (You don't really think Staley & Haynes can replace The Bus, do you?)

Fast Willie Parker down?

Yeah, I forgot ALL about him.......

In his first full season, Willie Parker had over 1200 yards last (4.7 ypc) splitting time with Bettis and Haynes. I see no reason at all why Parker+Haynes+Staley can't be as productive as Parker+Haynes+Bettis. There is no way the Steelers give up a #2 pick for Jones.

 

[nygiants56]

I think the Jets would be a great landing spot for him!

C Mart is nearing the end of his career, and Cedric Houston isn't the long term answer...TJ is a great stop-gap player...he's still young.

He is a perfect fit for them, IMO..

 

[fruity pebbles]

The Lions could use Jones, but I don't see him being traded to a division rival.

the Packers and Vikings could use him even more than the Lions

Looking at the depth charts, I'm not sure I agree. If everyone comes back healthy for Green Bay, they are stacked. And I think the trio of Taylor/Moore/Fason is better than the crap sitting behind Kevin Jones, who appears to be made of glass.

apart from Ahman Green, whose health is a big concern, Kevin Jones is better than any RB on the Vikings or Packers rosters.

You think he's willing to make a living between the tackles like T.J. does? T. Jones is a sledgehammer with good quicks who likes to mix it up.

K. Jones would rather turn the corner, avoid contact and run out of bounds.

They would make a nice tandem, IMO.

TJ is far from a "sledgehammer", that's why they drafted Benson.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

The Lions could use Jones, but I don't see him being traded to a division rival.

the Packers and Vikings could use him even more than the Lions

Looking at the depth charts, I'm not sure I agree. If everyone comes back healthy for Green Bay, they are stacked. And I think the trio of Taylor/Moore/Fason is better than the crap sitting behind Kevin Jones, who appears to be made of glass.

apart from Ahman Green, whose health is a big concern, Kevin Jones is better than any RB on the Vikings or Packers rosters.

You think he's willing to make a living between the tackles like T.J. does? T. Jones is a sledgehammer with good quicks who likes to mix it up.

K. Jones would rather turn the corner, avoid contact and run out of bounds.

They would make a nice tandem, IMO.

I think Kevin Jones runs with more power than Thomas Jones. I saw him light up some linebackers last year. I don't think he has any fear of running between the tackles.

he blasted Ray Lew the great in the Balt/Det game.

KJones hasn't figured out how to be a true back yet, but the guy does not avoid contact.

 

[T Man]

From Benmaller.com

"ESPN's John Clayton reported the Bears will not accept anything less than a first-round draft pick in a trade for the seemingly disgruntled Thomas Jones."

MY THOUGHTS:

I realize that a lot of teams say this and ultimately cave, but I still don't see a team parting with anything higher then a 3rd, and probably not that. And, as well as he performed, and considering Chicago's aspirations, he is more valuable to Chicago then anything less.

If he is traded, TJ will want a BIG contract. So the team would have to part with a high pick and the cash. What we learned last year from Edge and SA is that teams are generally unwilling to do so.

If he is traded, it would have to be a team that thinks it can win it all this year. That TJ is the piece of the puzzle that is needed.

With that said, I guess a trade of another player plus a later round pick would work.

 

[Raider Nation]

Steelers (You don't really think Staley & Haynes can replace The Bus, do you?)

Fast Willie Parker down?

Yeah, I forgot ALL about him.......

In his first full season, Willie Parker had over 1200 yards last (4.7 ypc) splitting time with Bettis and Haynes. I see no reason at all why Parker+Haynes+Staley can't be as productive as Parker+Haynes+Bettis. There is no way the Steelers give up a #2 pick for Jones.

Take off the black and gold glasses and look at the situation again.

Staley is toast.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

The Steelers would be a great fit, but I don't know if they have the ammunition needed to make the trade. Maybe a 2007 2nd could get it done.

Disagree. What do the Steelers need him for? They have a similar back in Parker already. If anything, they need thunder to go with their lightning. They had the opportunity to grab a back in the draft and didn't - I think they're set for this year with Parker, Haynes, Staley, and Humes, and believe they'll address the position in this year's draft, maybe a guy like Michael Bush.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Steelers (You don't really think Staley & Haynes can replace The Bus, do you?)

Fast Willie Parker down?

Yeah, I forgot ALL about him.......

In his first full season, Willie Parker had over 1200 yards last (4.7 ypc) splitting time with Bettis and Haynes. I see no reason at all why Parker+Haynes+Staley can't be as productive as Parker+Haynes+Bettis. There is no way the Steelers give up a #2 pick for Jones.

Take off the black and gold glasses and look at the situation again.

Staley is toast.

That's a risky assumption to make. The guy has been inactive for almost a year now, and if you know anything about Staley, you know he'll be prepared for action week 1. If he gets a handful of carries a game like Bettis did last year, he'll make an impact until such time as he gets injured, in which case, Haynes will fill in nicely.There is no way on Earth the Steelers will trade a 1st (or even 2nd) round pick for Thomas Jones. Pittsburgh does not belong on that list.

 

[Nemesis]

I said it in the other thread and I'll say it again..........I think TJ would be a good fit in Jax. (why haven't they been mentioned?)

What if Fred Taylor gets injured in mini-camp or pre-season?

Jax is a playoff team that likes to grind it out.

I don't think Jax is too bad vs the cap so there could be some room.

CHI is NFC.......Jax is AFC so no conflict there.

But, let me say this........historically, Jax hasn't pulled off too many big name trades.

 

[eoMMan]

Let me ask this....

What do you think is the probability that TJones is definitely out by Day 1, and Benson is the starter this year?

 

[Yenrub]

With Dom Davis’ recent injury news Houston could be a nice place for TJ to go.

 

[hutchins929]

Don't know if someone else has brought this point up. The Bears are seeking a #1 pick in the 2007 draft... Lets face it that aint gonna happen!!! and I heard on (I think it was NFL live) that he has lost the starting spot to Cedrick Benson because of all of this and the fact that Benson has been VERY impressive durring the off season work outs and he is in GREAT shape. so it looks like if Chicago holds their stance on the matter T. Jones will not be the starter but will be on the team. Besides how many teams would love to have two #1 quality running backs on their roster. My guess is unless a team is willing to part ways with a #1 pick next year (chuckle) then T. Jones is a Bear for the year.

 

[diesel7982]

I said it in the other thread and I'll say it again..........I think TJ would be a good fit in Jax. (why haven't they been mentioned?)

What if Fred Taylor gets injured in mini-camp or pre-season?

Jax is a playoff team that likes to grind it out.

I don't think Jax is too bad vs the cap so there could be some room.

CHI is NFC.......Jax is AFC so no conflict there.

But, let me say this........historically, Jax hasn't pulled off too many big name trades.

Fred TaylorGreg Jones

Maurice Drew

Alvin Pearman

LaBrandon Toefield

 

[imeimex]

I realize that the Colts took a RB in the first round, but I still think that he could step right in with the Colts and they wouldn't miss a beat. The only problem is that they would than have 3 RBs making pretty big money as I believe that Rhodes makes quite a bit. I don't really see it happening, but I think his combo of run/catch would work very well in that offense.

 

[Bears_Man2]

You really think TJ is just a backup willing to sit on the bench behind a stud RB?

No. I addressed that in the first sentence of my original post.He wants out of Chicago. Period.

Wrong. Jones wants a new contract. IF the Bears won't give him one, he would like to play elsewhere. If Jones wanted out of Chicago "Period" (as you state), he wouldn't of shown up to the mandatory camp last weekend.

 

[Godsbrother]

Steelers (You don't really think Staley & Haynes can replace The Bus, do you?)

Fast Willie Parker down?

Yeah, I forgot ALL about him.......

In his first full season, Willie Parker had over 1200 yards last (4.7 ypc) splitting time with Bettis and Haynes. I see no reason at all why Parker+Haynes+Staley can't be as productive as Parker+Haynes+Bettis. There is no way the Steelers give up a #2 pick for Jones.

Take off the black and gold glasses and look at the situation again.

Staley is toast.

Maybe, maybe not. A lot of people were saying that about Bettis after he had two injury-plague years. The one thing that a lot of people don't realize is that Staley was healthy enough to play the second half of the season so he should be more than ready this season. Time will tell if he is effective or not.In any case it doesn't matter because the Steelers are not going to trade a high pick for Jones or any other back.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

I understand people are quick to write Staley off because of his injuries, but facts are facts :

Staley has averaged 4.3 ypc in his Steeler career (vs. 3.6 ypc for Bettis in the same time frame)

Staley has gotten 20+ carries in a game 5 times in a Pittsburgh uniform. In those 5 games, he's gone over 100 yards 4 times and has averaged just shy of 112 ypg.

Last season, he was a "healthy scratch" the last half of the season because the Steelers were going to ride Bettis in his final season. In his only two starts of the season, he ran for 140 yards on only 32 carries (4.4 ypc) and also caught 4 passes for another 25 yards.

Bottom line : if the guy is healthy, he produces in this offense. Now, don't give me the rolleyes because he's been hurt almost every season of his career. I know that. this year, however, he's not likely to see more than a handful of carries a game unless Parker struggles mightily. He'll spell Willie for a series or two a game and get some goal line looks. Add that to the fact that he'll have gone about 9 months without taking a hit by the time the preseason rolls around and his prospects for staying healthy are better than they've been in years.

 

[hutchins929]

IMO Staley will be the Bus this year not the greatest in touches and yards but hella TD's

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

didn't Verron Haynes pass Staley on the depth chart last year? why would that change this year?

 

[Evilgrin 72]

didn't Verron Haynes pass Staley on the depth chart last year? why would that change this year?

Haynes is the 3rd down back - that's his designated role. Parker is the starter, Bettis was the hammer, and Haynes was the third down guy. Staley replaces Bettis this year (although the staff intimated Haynes may get some of those carries as well, depending on how he looks in camp/pre-season.)The depth chart, in a conventional sense, doesn't really apply.

 

[jurb26]

I understand people are quick to write Staley off because of his injuries, but facts are facts :

Staley has averaged 4.3 ypc in his Steeler career (vs. 3.6 ypc for Bettis in the same time frame)

Staley has gotten 20+ carries in a game 5 times in a Pittsburgh uniform. In those 5 games, he's gone over 100 yards 4 times and has averaged just shy of 112 ypg.

Last season, he was a "healthy scratch" the last half of the season because the Steelers were going to ride Bettis in his final season. In his only two starts of the season, he ran for 140 yards on only 32 carries (4.4 ypc) and also caught 4 passes for another 25 yards.

Bottom line : if the guy is healthy, he produces in this offense. Now, don't give me the rolleyes because he's been hurt almost every season of his career. I know that. this year, however, he's not likely to see more than a handful of carries a game unless Parker struggles mightily. He'll spell Willie for a series or two a game and get some goal line looks. Add that to the fact that he'll have gone about 9 months without taking a hit by the time the preseason rolls around and his prospects for staying healthy are better than they've been in years.

Staley really can be a very good RB when he is healthy, no doubt. He just can't maintian his health. He didn't do it in Philly and heading 300 miles west hasn't changed that. I like Staley a good deal and look forward to seeing what he can do agian this year. I do however expect to see both Haynes and the new guy Humes getting looks after Staley goes down again.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

It's true, but his injury history isn't QUITE as bad as some may think. He played in all 16 games in each of his last two seasons with Philly before coming to Pittsburgh and had only missed 20 games in his career (8 seasons) prior to the "healthy scratch" situation last year. 11 of those missed games came in one season, so in the other 7 years of his career, he was only out 9 games total.

Yes, he gets hurt a lot, but it's not as bad as it may seem.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

didn't Verron Haynes pass Staley on the depth chart last year? why would that change this year?

Haynes is the 3rd down back - that's his designated role. Parker is the starter, Bettis was the hammer, and Haynes was the third down guy. Staley replaces Bettis this year (although the staff intimated Haynes may get some of those carries as well, depending on how he looks in camp/pre-season.)The depth chart, in a conventional sense, doesn't really apply.

I like Haynes to outproduce Staley from a fantasy perspective this year. Is that nuts?

 

[GRIDIRON ASSASSIN]

The Bears are rumored to be willing to part with Thomas Jones for a MINIMUM of a first round pick.

It won't happen - and he won't go anywhere.

I think the best fit for him is in Jacksonville - but it won't happen.

 

[Rev]

You think he's willing to make a living between the tackles like T.J. does?

T. Jones is a sledgehammer with good quicks who likes to mix it up.

K. Jones would rather turn the corner, avoid contact and run out of bounds.

They would make a nice tandem, IMO.

I disagree. Last year, KJ demonstrated a willingness to hit holes hard and to slam his way for short yardage TDs and first downs. I wish he had gotten more carries, because I think he could have really worn down defenses (assuming he wouldn't have been hurt immediately).