Assuming the Pats sign Kevin Jones...impact on Maroney? (1 Viewer)

[Ministry of Pain]

If KJ actually ends up being signed, will Maroney owners realize that he is not going to be a stud in PPR formats? KJ has to be on their radar for his receiving skills...even if he has lost a step after a LF and ACL injury, he can still catch balls out of the backfield. Probably will replace Kevin Faulk if he is brought in.

Patriots continue to look to add depth

By Adam Schefter | NFL Network

Never finished trying to upgrade its roster, New England is at it again. As usual.

This time it is tinkering with the idea of adding a running back that could provide valuable depth, if not spirited competition.

Last week, New England very quietly hosted a visit -– and no team can do things as quietly as the Patriots -- with former Lions running back Kevin Jones, whom Detroit released in March.

Jones appears to be a couple of months away from recovering from the torn anterior cruciate ligament he suffered late last season, but he is far enough along that the Patriots brought him in for a look.

Some teams think Jones will be able to contribute in training camp, others wonder if he will miss the start of the season due to his knee injury.

But at this time last year, the prevailing thought was that Jones would open the season on the Physically Unable to Perform list with his foot injury. However, Jones made enough progress that he was not added to the list and he spent the season on Detroit’s roster.

Jones is said to be further along from his knee injury than he was at this time last year from his foot injury. Still, with teams allowed to bring only 80 players to camp, and with each team struggling to find roster space, teams such as the Patriots could wait to sign a player such as Jones.

Yet at some point, someone will. His talents simply are too alluring. At one time, earlier in his career, it looked as if the 5-foot-11, 228-pound Jones would become a star.

During his rookie year, Jones led the Lions with 1,133 rushing yards while scoring five touchdowns. But foot and knee injuries slowed him down during his next three seasons in Detroit and contributed to his release in March. Now, after four seasons in the NFL, Jones’ career is at something of a crossroads.

But at this time of year, available players have questions about them. Yet the interested teams have needs

 

[twitch]

They'll probably trade him to the Lions.

Seriously. Let the Patriots sign a worthless, injury prone, walking-injury bug of an overpaid bum like Kevin Jones first before anyone's bothered with this question.

jmho.

 

[coolnerd]

Assuming Jones is healthy, I am working from the assumption that he would be a younger version of Sammy Morris' first half of the season act. That would not be very nice for Maroney owners, and give Jones owner a viable bye week/fill-in option from FF perspective.

 

[travdogg]

Very little if any impact on Maroney, probably the end of Morris or Faulk though. I don't think he'll sign in NE.

This board has a lot of KJ love, but he's nothing special he'd be Maroney's backup the same way Morris or Faulk were.

 

[Boston]

The Pats like Jones and there have been numerous reports that they were set to draft him when Detroit jumped in and took him right before the Pats pick. That being said until you see what his health is (and when he is healthy) he's a complete unknown should he sign with the Pats. If I were a Maroney owner I would not be happy because there would be nothing positive about this addition as far as his fantasy value is concerned. My guess is if he signs with the Pats they bring him along slowly, wait till he's 100% and see how the RB situation is shaking out (i.e. injuries or if Morris or Faulk suddenly get old) and than figure out what to do with him. BB will always find a way to get a productive player involved.

As for replacing Faulk that aint gonna happen in 2008. Faulk is a big favorite of the coaching staff and until he shows signs of slowing down he will continue in the current role he excels at.

 

[mozzy84]

just copied and pasted..

Probably will replace Kevin Faulk if he is brought in.

 

[Loan Sharks]

Impact on Maroney? He will be fresher for games because he will finally have someone to carry his suitcases up to his room.

 

[Maroney=Sped]

Seriously. Let the Patriots sign a worthless, injury prone, walking-injury bug of an overpaid bum like Kevin Jones first before anyone's bothered with this question.

But this is what Dolphins fans do.

 

[Mr. Brownstone]

If Kevin Jones is signed, I'd have a hard time replacing Kevin Faulk if I was the coaching staff. He has a specific role and performs it really well.

 

[MAC_32]

He'll replace Faulk and may steal some short yardage carries, but unless he can prove he can stay healthy or one of Morris or Maroney gets injured that's probably it. Little effect on Maroney except now I'll be more tempted to draft him as the Maroney lovers will no longer reach for him in the 3rd round.

 

[David Yudkin]

Pats would probably sign him to a 2-year deal for low dollars. He'd probably be on the PUP list to start the year and then activated for later in the season and the playoff run. Faulk would probably retire after this year and Jones would try filling thFaulk role for next season. If he did well they would sign him beyond 2009.

For 2008, he would have little to no impact on Maroney. But people already know that I think Maroney will not be a full-time, heavy workload, every down back this year.

 

[tombonneau]

Pats would probably sign him to a 2-year deal for low dollars. He'd probably be on the PUP list to start the year and then activated for later in the season and the playoff run. Faulk would probably retire after this year and Jones would try filling thFaulk role for next season. If he did well they would sign him beyond 2009.For 2008, he would have little to no impact on Maroney. But people already know that I think Maroney will not be a full-time, heavy workload, every down back this year.

Bingo. Impact is on Faulk, not Maroney/Morris. I think if he's signed, it's exactly as you say, 2-yr minimum-type deal. He is PUP'd, possibly IRd in 2008. Then, if Faulk retires, or slows down/injured what have you, they hopefully can turn to KJ in 2009.His only 2008 impact would be if there were extensive RB injures in NE, otherwise, I wouldn't expect him on any game day rosters.

 

[fsufan]

Very little if any impact on Maroney, probably the end of Morris or Faulk though. I don't think he'll sign in NE.

This board has a lot of KJ love, but he's nothing special he'd be Maroney's backup the same way Morris or Faulk were.

i agree, just do not get it

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

If Chris Brown can find a gig where he's got a shot to start there's no way Kevin Jones - a far more talented back - should sign on to be a #2 for the rest of his career.

Unless you think he's as injury prone as DeShaun Foster or Joey Galloway of course. In which case his career is obviously over and he should probably think about retiring at 27 just like they did.

 

[fsufan]

just copied and pasted..Probably will replace Kevin Faulk if he is brought in.

why Faulk has been a key role players for NE over the years. They will make another SB run and Faulk will be a key part of that.

 

[The Moz]

Faulk is a team leader and really good at what he does -- why would BB replace him with KJ ? Maybe replace Morris though

 

[David Yudkin]

Faulk is a team leader and really good at what he does -- why would BB replace him with KJ ? Maybe replace Morris though

Faulk is signed through 2009 and has a pretty decent salary cap number ($3.5 million). IIRC, that will jump to $4 million next year. We can debate if he is worth that much, but we all know NE is all about keeping cap hits down.I like Faulk as much as the next guy, but he's has his share of nagging injuries. He'll be 33 to start the season next year. Certainly that's not too old, but his best years are behind him and he does not have many years left. IMO, if they win another title this year I'm pretty sure he'd call it a day.

 

[yesitsme]

I'm going to tell you right now that Maroney is no better than Kevin Jones. You put Maroney on Detroit the last couple of seasons and you'd barely hear from the guy.

I think Kevin Jones as the season wore on, as he became healthy would flourish in NE. He's actually a pretty hard runner and a more talented back than most think.

It's a big if, but if Kevin Jones goes to New England, I think you'll see him do very well.

 

[David Yudkin]

As for Morris, he's signed through 2010 and carries a $2.1 million cap hit this year. IIRC, his contract pays him the same every year, so he does not have a backend deal. He's no spring chicken eaither (31). If he is productive, I think he'll be around again next year as his cap number is roughly half that of Faulk's (for next year).

With regard to Jones, I don't see any reason why they couldn't keep another RB on the roster. BB normally loads up on special teams players and guys that somehow can play more than one role. They probably have someone pegged as the last man on the roster that really wouldn't kill them to drop.

I think Jones still has some utility left, and he would not cost a ton to acquire. Alexander, on the other hand, is probably looking for assurances that he could at least fight for a starting job and would probably want more $$$ than Jones.

The Pats really wanted KJ the year he came out, but IIRC the Lions moved up to get him and took him two picks before the Patriots did in 2004. They have always liked Jones. It would not surprise if NE signed him but I think they want to wait and see how his recovery goes before making an offer.

 

[yesitsme]

just copied and pasted..Probably will replace Kevin Faulk if he is brought in.

why Faulk has been a key role players for NE over the years. They will make another SB run and Faulk will be a key part of that.

Because he's getting old and the asking price for KJ isn't high. The Pats also addressed the linebacker situation in the draft because they'e getting old there too. It happens to all the great teams and great players, they can't play forever. It's easy as a fan to think our favorites can produce like they once did but the Pats have proven they don't let that kind of thinking get in their way, just like at Troy Brown.

 

[yesitsme]

As for Morris, he's signed through 2010 and carries a $2.1 million cap hit this year. IIRC, his contract pays him the same every year, so he does not have a backend deal. He's no spring chicken eaither (31). If he is productive, I think he'll be around again next year as his cap number is roughly half that of Faulk's (for next year).With regard to Jones, I don't see any reason why they couldn't keep another RB on the roster. BB normally loads up on special teams players and guys that somehow can play more than one role. They probably have someone pegged as the last man on the roster that really wouldn't kill them to drop.I think Jones still has some utility left, and he would not cost a ton to acquire. Alexander, on the other hand, is probably looking for assurances that he could at least fight for a starting job and would probably want more $$$ than Jones.The Pats really wanted KJ the year he came out, but IIRC the Lions moved up to get him and took him two picks before the Patriots did in 2004. They have always liked Jones. It would not surprise if NE signed him but I think they want to wait and see how his recovery goes before making an offer.

The cat is out of the bag. If we're talking about it here, other organizations know for sure that the Pats are looking at signing KJ. If they want him, they'd be wise to gamble on him and take him. Teams aren't going to let them wait around and take a sure thing this year.

 

[coolnerd]

If Chris Brown can find a gig where he's got a shot to start there's no way Kevin Jones - a far more talented back - should sign on to be a #2 for the rest of his career. Unless you think he's as injury prone as DeShaun Foster or Joey Galloway of course. In which case his career is obviously over and he should probably think about retiring at 27 just like they did.

The problem for Jones is that he is currently injured and has had more serious injury than Brown who tends to gets more nagging type stuff.

 

[David Yudkin]

As for Morris, he's signed through 2010 and carries a $2.1 million cap hit this year. IIRC, his contract pays him the same every year, so he does not have a backend deal. He's no spring chicken eaither (31). If he is productive, I think he'll be around again next year as his cap number is roughly half that of Faulk's (for next year).With regard to Jones, I don't see any reason why they couldn't keep another RB on the roster. BB normally loads up on special teams players and guys that somehow can play more than one role. They probably have someone pegged as the last man on the roster that really wouldn't kill them to drop.I think Jones still has some utility left, and he would not cost a ton to acquire. Alexander, on the other hand, is probably looking for assurances that he could at least fight for a starting job and would probably want more $$$ than Jones.The Pats really wanted KJ the year he came out, but IIRC the Lions moved up to get him and took him two picks before the Patriots did in 2004. They have always liked Jones. It would not surprise if NE signed him but I think they want to wait and see how his recovery goes before making an offer.

The cat is out of the bag. If we're talking about it here, other organizations know for sure that the Pats are looking at signing KJ. If they want him, they'd be wise to gamble on him and take him. Teams aren't going to let them wait around and take a sure thing this year.

Lots of teams have talked to Jones (at least his agent). THere's nothing out of the bag here, as there are 32 teams that can sign him and who have not done so to date. One would think that his health is an obstacle to signing him, and there is some speculation from what I have seen (official and unoffical) that Jones as currently constituted may not have medical clearance to play.The same think holds true with ex-Pa Rosevelt Colvin. Teams are leary of signing players that can't get a doctor to sign off for them to play/practice, and teams would be pretty stupid to shell out millions of dollars to guys that you can't even really check or tell what they can do.That being said, at some point some team will probably offer a little more money a little bit sooner to sign him. If Jones is holding out for the most money or the easiest road to being a starting RB again, then he won't be coming to NE.And if he's not close to being healthy I don't think the Pats would want him even if they did have man love for him 4 seasons ago. They don't have a ton of salary cap room this year or next, so I doubt they would tie up money on a player unless they had a decent ROI in mind. I'm pretty sure that Jones' agent has still been talking to NE, but I don't know what the dollar values being discussed might be. They still could say call us in June and we'll work KJ out again to see how he's doing.

 

[Boston]

just copied and pasted..Probably will replace Kevin Faulk if he is brought in.

why :X Faulk has been a key role players for NE over the years. They will make another SB run and Faulk will be a key part of that.

Because he's getting old and the asking price for KJ isn't high. The Pats also addressed the linebacker situation in the draft because they'e getting old there too. It happens to all the great teams and great players, they can't play forever. It's easy as a fan to think our favorites can produce like they once did but the Pats have proven they don't let that kind of thinking get in their way, just like at Troy Brown.

The problem with your analysis is that Faulk is still at the top of his game. I don't think anyone expects him to play forever but right now (i.e. 2008) he is still part of their offense. After 2008 it's anyone's guess but I fully expect Faulk to continue with his role for the upcoming season.

 

[Banger]

Not good. I think Jones is more talented.

 

[Chachi]

Kevin Faulk is good and RELIABLE. KJ is not reliable.

 

[Ron_Mexico]

I'm going to tell you right now that Maroney is no better than Kevin Jones.

I just couldn't let this garbage can statement slide.

 

[Ditkaless Wonders]

As a Jones owner in multiple leagues I would be pleased to see him hook on somewhere where he can be brought back slowly, once fully rehabbed. If Fred Taylor could have second half of career value so to may Jones. I'd love to recoup some on the investment.

 

[thatguythere]

Very little if any impact on Maroney, probably the end of Morris or Faulk though. I don't think he'll sign in NE.

This board has a lot of KJ love, but he's nothing special he'd be Maroney's backup the same way Morris or Faulk were.

i agree, just do not get it

Me either....I wish someone could explain what part of KJ's game would make him a good replacement for Kevin Faulk. I seems to me Kevin Faulk has a pretty specific role in NE and I just don't see Kevin Jones filling that IMO, I don't get it. I think too many people are looking at pre injury(s) Kevin Jones and not taking into account that the injuries he sustained most likely have taken a pretty serious toll on his running ability.

 

[tombonneau]

Very little if any impact on Maroney, probably the end of Morris or Faulk though. I don't think he'll sign in NE.

This board has a lot of KJ love, but he's nothing special he'd be Maroney's backup the same way Morris or Faulk were.

i agree, just do not get it

Me either....I wish someone could explain what part of KJ's game would make him a good replacement for Kevin Faulk. I seems to me Kevin Faulk has a pretty specific role in NE and I just don't see Kevin Jones filling that IMO, I don't get it. I think too many people are looking at pre injury(s) Kevin Jones and not taking into account that the injuries he sustained most likely have taken a pretty serious toll on his running ability.

I'm far from a KJ Man Lover (In fact, last year I made a post along the lines of Someone please explain the KJ Love - I don't get it?), but I do recall last year - I think it was in a DET/DAL game - that KJ was running hard and completely dominating. And this was 2007.So I think if healthy the guy still holds real value. Certainly in the NFL, for FF it would depend on the situation.