Jones' future may have Bears' brass at odds (1 Viewer)

[Conehead]

This will have some fantasy implications..... Add the fact that Ron Turner is ecstatic about Cedric Benson, which he said on Chitown radio yesterday. He said for the first time "Cedric Benson has a sense of urgency - and he's gonna be a difference maker in '06". .... (Thanks for that nugget GRID....)

Jones' future may have Bears' brass at odds

April 22, 2006

BY BRAD BIGGS Staff Reporter

A possible schism in the Bears organization about the future of the running-back position was discovered Friday at the team's annual pre-draft media pow-wow.

Coach Lovie Smith reacted adamantly against the idea Thomas Jones could be traded, but general manager Jerry Angelo did not deny an ESPN Internet report that has linked the veteran running back to the Indianapolis Colts, who are still working to replace Edgerrin James in their high-powered offense.

Complicating the matter is that Jones fired agent Tom Condon and signed on with Drew Rosenhaus in the last week, and has stopped reporting for the voluntary offseason program at Halas Hall.

A source in Indianapolis said the best package the Bears could get would start with a third-round pick in the draft, the 94th overall selection at the end of the day next Saturday, which would seem to be a small payment for the franchise's first 1,300-yard rusher since Walter Payton.

''We have not initiated any contact,'' Angelo said. ''If you hear someone say they have talked to me, it's because they have my number.''

If the Bears were to deal Jones, who gained 1,335 yards and scored nine touchdowns as the team's only consistent offensive performer last season, it would clear the way for Cedric Benson, the No. 4 pick in the draft a year ago.

That's not how Smith wants it to go.

''When I first got out of school, I used to teach history,'' he said. ''History teaches you an awful lot. The history is with Kansas City. I got a chance to see exactly what Kansas City did having a Pro Bowl running back [Priest Holmes] and a first-round draft choice [Larry Johnson]. They both played, they both were on the team and it worked itself out.

''Thomas Jones, 1,300 yards, team leader, he's our starting tailback. We have a good, young player with a lot of potential. Cedric Benson is with the football team for the first time from the start. We're going to let guys play. We needed all three running backs this past year. Thomas had a great year, he was injured, Cedric got a chance to play and Adrian [Peterson] played. We needed all of them. We're saying we're going to need three running backs to have a successful season.''

The Bears insist they are a running team that needs at least two backs to make that commitment. The steadfast belief is Benson is ready for bigger things after gaining 272 yards in a rookie season shortened by a contract holdout and bad knee sprain. Offensive coordinator Ron Turner would not talk about recent developments, but called Jones ''a hell of a player.'' He also acknowledged Peterson is not viewed as a potential workhorse.

If the Bears were to deal Jones, they'd be trading from their one position of strength and depth on offense, and would be doing so without knowing what was coming in return. The club is poised to lose its third-round pick, 88th overall, after signing restricted free-agent cornerback Ricky Manning Jr. to an offer sheet Friday. But even a third- and fourth-round pick for Jones would not provide any sure things, and the running back corps Smith covets would lose its starter.

''If there is a trade that will improve Thomas' situation, that would certainly be appealing,'' Rosenhaus said. ''Thomas hasn't missed any time with the Bears that is mandatory. There are a lot of players around the league that choose to work out on their own or spend time with their family or do other things. It doesn't necessarily mean you should read into it anymore than that.

''The bottom line here is obviously there are discussions about a potential trade. We are receptive to it.''

That doesn't mean the coaching staff also is receptive.

http://www.suntimes.com/output/bears/cst-spt-bear22.html

 

[JAA]

wow

thats a pretty messed up way to treat your only star offensive player on the team in the press

 

[Christo]

wow

thats a pretty messed up way to treat your only star offensive player on the team in the press

I'm not sure what you mean. The head coach says they need Thomas. The GM says they haven't contacted anyone trying to trade him. And the OC has said last year's 1st round pick will be a difference maker this year. Doesn't sound like he's being mistreated to me.

 

[GRIDIRON ASSASSIN]

Coney said it all....

I think it's very viable that the Bears deal Thomas Jones to Indy.

This would also free up some coin to re-up Lance Briggs.

So they end up with Cedric Benson backed up by Adrian Peterson - which isn't exactly chopped liver. Briggs and Manning Jr. locked up long term.

...and then they pick up their 3rd rounder they lost (or 2nd rounder?) from Indy.

Just an FYI about Conehead (who made the original post). I had the pleasure to hoist an ale with him a couple of years ago when he was traveling through the US and had a layover in Chicago. This cat is in touch with NFL football, and lives in flippin Sweden.

 

[Boston]

Question for Bear fans...

Does Lovie have his eye on taking over the whole operation? Just reading between the lines here and a couple of other posts and it seems like he and Angelo are not exactly on the same page and there could be a potential power struggle down the line. Thoughts?

 

[GRIDIRON ASSASSIN]

Question for Bear fans...

Does Lovie have his eye on taking over the whole operation? Just reading between the lines here and a couple of other posts and it seems like he and Angelo are not exactly on the same page and there could be a potential power struggle down the line. Thoughts?

My perception...Lovie has NO interest in taking over the 'whole' operation - he totally respects the Bears history, and appreciates the fact that they gave him his first head coaching job - but at the same time realizes he was the second choice because the Bears were too cheap to pay Nick Saban - and Angelo wouldn't give up any of his power....

Lovie didn't get a contract extension after making the playoffs, and is currently the lowest paid head coach in football. Two assistant coaches make more money even... I'm sure that doesn't sit too well with him, but he strikes me as a guy of character, so he won't say anything, he'll ride out the deal, and then bolt town.

 

[JAA]

wow

thats a pretty messed up way to treat your only star offensive player on the team in the press

I'm not sure what you mean. The head coach says they need Thomas. The GM says they haven't contacted anyone trying to trade him. And the OC has said last year's 1st round pick will be a difference maker this year. Doesn't sound like he's being mistreated to me.

but general manager Jerry Angelo did not deny an ESPN Internet report that has linked the veteran running back to the Indianapolis Colts

thats how I read it

 

[Texasmouth]

So they end up with Cedric Benson backed up by Adrian Peterson - which isn't exactly chopped liver. Briggs and Manning Jr. locked up long term.

Looked like chop liver to me last year. The Bears weren't nearly as good without Thomas Jones. Benson has proven nothing except that he holds out when he doesn't get his way and when he finally gets some time, he gets hurt. I think trading away TJ for a third round pick is a stupid idea.

 

[RBM]

So they end up with Cedric Benson backed up by Adrian Peterson - which isn't exactly chopped liver.   Briggs and Manning Jr. locked up long term.

Looked like chop liver to me last year. The Bears weren't nearly as good without Thomas Jones.

Benson and Peterson both played major parts in 3 wins mid-season when TJ was hurt. The Detroit, NO and SF games

 

[trader jake]

it seems like players are undervalued in these draft pick trades - this would be another one. the bears should just keep tj if a late 3rd is the best they can do

 

[Boston]

it seems like players are undervalued in these draft pick trades - this would be another one. the bears should just keep tj if a late 3rd is the best they can do

I always compare draft picks to new cars. When it's strictly a pick it's worth a mint. Yet, the minute you put a name to that pick the value depreciates about 20%.

 

[RBM]

Id be shocked if TJ was dealt, but I gotta think that it would be worth the Colts' very late 2nd. Alot of people have them taking a Maroney type in the 1st. They get TJ and their offense doesnt skip a beat, not the case if they draft somebody who splits time with Rhodes

 

[Floyd The Barber]

I don't see a schism in Chicago's front office.

The Bears would be fools to trade Jones at anything short of Indy's first and Lovie Smith knows this. He needs two studs to insure his team can play true to his run-first philosohy and simply said so.

Angelo's phone ran and he picked it up. Big deal.

The real fly in the ointment is that Jones has hired Drew Rosenhaus, who will stop at nothing, stoop to no level too low, to get he and his clients what they want. Indy would be a great fit for Jones and Benson is a threat, so they will likely do all they can to force a trade.

But this is a team that is one dynamic, playmaking receiver away from being a legitmate Super Bowl threat. Trading Jones for peanuts would seriously jeapordise that. So I rather doubt this will happen.

 

[trader jake]

why are so many quick to dismiss thomas jones being traded to the colts?

it makes sense for both teams. of course a 3rd round pick seems low, but what if the trade was thomas jones to indy for their 2nd? i could see this happening

 

[fruity pebbles]

The late second seems like fair value to me.

 

[Bri]

Benson's done nothing this could end horribly. I can't believe they'd trade Jones without seeing some production from Benson.

 

[gang-wars]

Benson's done nothing this could end horribly. I can't believe they'd trade Jones without seeing some production from Benson.

Sorta like how Palmer started his 2nd year without ever taking a snap?You draft a guy #4, he plays.

 

[Bri]

Benson's done nothing this could end horribly. I can't believe they'd trade Jones without seeing some production from Benson.

Sorta like how Palmer started his 2nd year without ever taking a snap?You draft a guy #4, he plays.

they kept Kitna until he was established

 

[GRIDIRON ASSASSIN]

You guys talk like Adrian Peterson sucks.

The dude averaged over 5 yards per carry and almost 500 yards of combined rush/receive yardage.

I'll got to battle with Benson/Peterson any day of the week, as long as it means Briggs gets his extension, and the Bears recoup a 2nd round pick.

Hell, they could even swap 3rd rounders with Indy to stick it to Carolina.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

Peterson is definitely good enough to be a primary backup. Thomas Jones value would explode in Indy.

 

[GRIDIRON ASSASSIN]

So they end up with Cedric Benson backed up by Adrian Peterson - which isn't exactly chopped liver.  Briggs and Manning Jr. locked up long term.

Looked like chop liver to me last year. The Bears weren't nearly as good without Thomas Jones. Benson has proven nothing except that he holds out when he doesn't get his way and when he finally gets some time, he gets hurt. I think trading away TJ for a third round pick is a stupid idea.

The Bears won both games in which Thomas Jones was hurt or didn't play:http://www.nfl.com/players/playerpage/187390/gamelogs/2005

Adrian Peterson put up 120 rushing yards in the game he started.... So pass the crack pipe this way please.

I do agree that he's worth more than a 3rd rounder though. I wouldn't do it for anything less than a 2nd rounder - unless some other player is involved.

 

[-OZ-]

Benson's done nothing this could end horribly. I can't believe they'd trade Jones without seeing some production from Benson.

Sorta like how Palmer started his 2nd year without ever taking a snap?You draft a guy #4, he plays.

hmmm, kind of like Phillip Rivers?The result could be the same. Both may end horribly, or well. we don't know yet.

 

[Gopher State]

I would like to see what Benson can do going through a complete training camp, off season training etc. I think the Bears want Benson to be the man, the investment in him is big. I would guess the Bears maybe could get a 3rd round pick for TJ, but not sure because their are a lot of good RB's that can be had late in this years draft.

 

[Christo]

wow

thats a pretty messed up way to treat your only star offensive player on the team in the press

I'm not sure what you mean. The head coach says they need Thomas. The GM says they haven't contacted anyone trying to trade him. And the OC has said last year's 1st round pick will be a difference maker this year. Doesn't sound like he's being mistreated to me.

but general manager Jerry Angelo did not deny an ESPN Internet report that has linked the veteran running back to the Indianapolis Colts

thats how I read it

So Angelo should deny that another team is interested in Jones?

 

[JAA]

wow

thats a pretty messed up way to treat your only star offensive player on the team in the press

I'm not sure what you mean. The head coach says they need Thomas. The GM says they haven't contacted anyone trying to trade him. And the OC has said last year's 1st round pick will be a difference maker this year. Doesn't sound like he's being mistreated to me.

but general manager Jerry Angelo did not deny an ESPN Internet report that has linked the veteran running back to the Indianapolis Colts

thats how I read it

So Angelo should deny that another team is interested in Jones?

Now, he should say "We dont want to trade our stud RB"

 

[Donnybrook]

Complicating the matter is that Jones fired agent Tom Condon and signed on with Drew Rosenhaus in the last week, and has stopped reporting for the voluntary offseason program at Halas Hall.

http://www.suntimes.com/output/bears/cst-spt-bear22.html

This will probably kill any interest that Indy had in him. I expect that he will want a new contract if he is traded.

 

[Christo]

wow

thats a pretty messed up way to treat your only star offensive player on the team in the press

I'm not sure what you mean. The head coach says they need Thomas. The GM says they haven't contacted anyone trying to trade him. And the OC has said last year's 1st round pick will be a difference maker this year. Doesn't sound like he's being mistreated to me.

but general manager Jerry Angelo did not deny an ESPN Internet report that has linked the veteran running back to the Indianapolis Colts

thats how I read it

So Angelo should deny that another team is interested in Jones?

Now, he should say "We dont want to trade our stud RB"

Well, now that's a stretch. Did you also think that the way Buffalo treated Travis Henry was messed up as well?

 

[Routilla]

Benson and Peterson both played major parts in 3 wins mid-season when TJ was hurt. The Detroit, NO and SF games

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------You said it. Detroit, New Orleans and San Francisco. Some really tough teams right? I suspect they would have won those games if they played each game with only a fullback.

 

[Baracuda]

Didn't Indy come out and say they weren't interested in Jones? Are you guys thinking this is a smokescreen or is it something that you're not aware of?

EDIT: I found the link from Rotoworld (April 18):

ESPN.com's John Clayton reports the Colts aren't interested in Bears RB Thomas Jones.

We didn't know he was available. Jones recently changed agents and may want to cash in on his breakout season, but it's hard to imagine anyone dealing for him. Apr. 18 - 9:01 pm et

 

[cstu]

why are so many quick to dismiss thomas jones being traded to the colts?

it makes sense for both teams. of course a 3rd round pick seems low, but what if the trade was thomas jones to indy for their 2nd? i could see this happening

How does a 3rd for TJ help the Bears? They are a running team that relies on running down the clock and their defense to win games. TJ is a multi-dimensional RB and poor man's Priest. If they trade him they would have to put the entire offense in Benson's hands and hope he doesn't get injured. If Peterson ever became the full time starter they'd be screwed. A late 3rd round pick doesn't even guarantee a starter, so why would they let go their starting RB who has a fairly cheap contract?

 

[cstu]

Didn't Indy come out and say they weren't interested in Jones? Are you guys thinking this is a smokescreen or is it something that you're not aware of?

EDIT: I found the link from Rotoworld (April 18):

ESPN.com's John Clayton reports the Colts aren't interested in Bears RB Thomas Jones.

We didn't know he was available. Jones recently changed agents and may want to cash in on his breakout season, but it's hard to imagine anyone dealing for him. Apr. 18 - 9:01 pm et

I think it's reasonable to assume that the Colts would trade a 3rd for him in a heartbeat if they knew TJ would be happy to play out his contract. However, it's likely that he thinks he's very under-paid considering Chester Taylor signed a contract similar to his.

 

[cstu]

I would like to see what Benson can do going through a complete training camp, off season training etc. I think the Bears want Benson to be the man, the investment in him is big. I would guess the Bears maybe could get a 3rd round pick for TJ, but not sure because their are a lot of good RB's that can be had late in this years draft.

I don't think the Bears really care if Benson plays as long as TJ is getting the job done. This situation is different than how it usually is because TJ is playing on a cheap contract and, at least so far, isn't asking for more money. As long as he's content playing out his contract then the Bears have no incentive to push Benson into the starting job. For what TJ is getting paid ($2.5M/year), the Bears couldn't even replace him with an average RB.

 

[TheFanatic]

The late second seems like fair value to me.

Indy and Seattle couldn't get a 2nd rounder for Edge and Alexander last year when they were shopping the two. Why would TJones merit a 2nd when those two guys with much better pedigrees and production couldn't get a 2nd rounder for their services?

 

[Donnybrook]

If this were to happen, then you could basically call it Thomas Jones for Ricky Manning Jr...provided of course, the Panthers don't match the Bears offer.

Maybe the Bears should offer Thomas Jones instead of their third in exchange for Manning Jr? Sort of like the Brandon Lloyd trade.

 

[-OZ-]

I would like to see what Benson can do going through a complete training camp, off season training etc. I think the Bears want Benson to be the man, the investment in him is big. I would guess the Bears maybe could get a 3rd round pick for TJ, but not sure because their are a lot of good RB's that can be had late in this years draft.

I don't think the Bears really care if Benson plays as long as TJ is getting the job done. This situation is different than how it usually is because TJ is playing on a cheap contract and, at least so far, isn't asking for more money. As long as he's content playing out his contract then the Bears have no incentive to push Benson into the starting job. For what TJ is getting paid ($2.5M/year), the Bears couldn't even replace him with an average RB.

I'm seeing a correlation here between Chicago and Cincinati. The backup may arguably have more talent, but as long as the starter doesn't demand top 5 money and they win games, nothing will change.

Sort of like KC too, except Priest demanded, and deserved, more money.

Having a very talented backup RB is not a bad thing.

 

[Rev]

Benson's done nothing this could end horribly. I can't believe they'd trade Jones without seeing some production from Benson.

Problem is, if Benson does get the job this year, TJ rots on the bench or has limited carries. After the season, he's a year older and has less value than he does coming off a 1400 yard season.

 

[JAA]

wow

thats a pretty messed up way to treat your only star offensive player on the team in the press

I'm not sure what you mean. The head coach says they need Thomas. The GM says they haven't contacted anyone trying to trade him. And the OC has said last year's 1st round pick will be a difference maker this year. Doesn't sound like he's being mistreated to me.

but general manager Jerry Angelo did not deny an ESPN Internet report that has linked the veteran running back to the Indianapolis Colts

thats how I read it

So Angelo should deny that another team is interested in Jones?

Now, he should say "We dont want to trade our stud RB"

Well, now that's a stretch. Did you also think that the way Buffalo treated Travis Henry was messed up as well?

yesIts not a stretch since hes their best RB since WP

 

[theedge]

Indy and Seattle couldn't get a 2nd rounder for Edge and Alexander last year when they were shopping the two.

This has been said about many trades when a 2nd rounder has been mention. The real issue with those guys was the money they would want to sign a long term deal. Not a 2nd rounder.

 

[Bri]

wow

thats a pretty messed up way to treat your only star offensive player on the team in the press

I'm not sure what you mean. The head coach says they need Thomas. The GM says they haven't contacted anyone trying to trade him. And the OC has said last year's 1st round pick will be a difference maker this year. Doesn't sound like he's being mistreated to me.

but general manager Jerry Angelo did not deny an ESPN Internet report that has linked the veteran running back to the Indianapolis Colts

thats how I read it

So Angelo should deny that another team is interested in Jones?

Now, he should say "We dont want to trade our stud RB"

Well, now that's a stretch. Did you also think that the way Buffalo treated Travis Henry was messed up as well?

yesIts not a stretch since hes their best RB since WP

I agree and that's the major issue for me. Atrain, Neal Anderson, Curtis Enis geesh. If you want an argument NOT to go with a high draft pick RB it's right under their noses.

Also, maybe they'll draft another WR this year. They've been good at that lately too

 

[JAA]

wow

thats a pretty messed up way to treat your only star offensive player on the team in the press

I'm not sure what you mean. The head coach says they need Thomas. The GM says they haven't contacted anyone trying to trade him. And the OC has said last year's 1st round pick will be a difference maker this year. Doesn't sound like he's being mistreated to me.

but general manager Jerry Angelo did not deny an ESPN Internet report that has linked the veteran running back to the Indianapolis Colts

thats how I read it

So Angelo should deny that another team is interested in Jones?

Now, he should say "We dont want to trade our stud RB"

Well, now that's a stretch. Did you also think that the way Buffalo treated Travis Henry was messed up as well?

yesIts not a stretch since hes their best RB since WP

I agree and that's the major issue for me. Atrain, Neal Anderson, Curtis Enis geesh. If you want an argument NOT to go with a high draft pick RB it's right under their noses.

Also, maybe they'll draft another WR this year. They've been good at that lately too

 

[Slider]

The late second seems like fair value to me.

Indy and Seattle couldn't get a 2nd rounder for Edge and Alexander last year when they were shopping the two. Why would TJones merit a 2nd when those two guys with much better pedigrees and production couldn't get a 2nd rounder for their services?

Because he wouldn't get SA/Edge money????

 

[Irish]

So they end up with Cedric Benson backed up by Adrian Peterson - which isn't exactly chopped liver. Briggs and Manning Jr. locked up long term.

Looked like chop liver to me last year. The Bears weren't nearly as good without Thomas Jones. Benson has proven nothing except that he holds out when he doesn't get his way and when he finally gets some time, he gets hurt. I think trading away TJ for a third round pick is a stupid idea.

Is last yr the 1st yr you followed football? Up until last yr, Jones had the same question mark about him, only Jones was already with his 3rd team in 5 seasons. Jones has had some injury issues himself and let us not forget about the story of breaking his hand while answering a telephone. I'm not saying the Bears should trade Jones, but I don't consider Jones an Ironman either.

 

[Yah_Shoor_Yoobetchya]

Two references (so far) comparing Benson's initial benchwarming to Carson Palmer's and Philip Rivers'.

You guys doing that comparison do realize (I hope) that the RB position is the easiest position to learn from a playbook perspective while the QB position is the most difficult, right?

Kinda stands to reason that it's a much more practical approach to have a high draft pick QB warm the bench for a year or two than it would be to have a high draft pick RB do the same.

 

[Donnybrook]

Colts | Team concerned Jones left offseason training program [KFFL]Sun, 23 Apr 2006 07:16:06 -0700K.C. Johnson, of the Chicago Tribune, reports the Indianapolis Colts dropped their interest in trading for Chicago Bears RB Thomas Jones when they heard he had left the team's offseason conditioning program.

What a surprise.

 

[Donnybrook]

Bears | More on Jones' situation [KFFL]Sun, 23 Apr 2006 07:15:22 -0700K.C. Johnson, of the Chicago Tribune, reports Chicago Bears RB Thomas Jones may not be bothered by team's having interest in trading for him, but a source close to Jones said the veteran is tiring of looking over his shoulder at a player making more money than he does. Although the deal Jones received in 2003 was nearly double his next-best offer, he is looking to improve on his $2 million base salary for this season and that won't happen with the Bears. As noted previously, Jones has left the Bears' voluntary off-season program and fired longtime agent Tom Condon in favor of Drew Rosenhaus. Jones is known for an intense off-season workout regimen and has worked with noted personal trainer Ian Danney in the past. Other teams may enter the picture for Jones, although general manager Jerry Angelo insisted both he and the coaching staff would prefer to see a happy Jones return. "If somebody calls me and wants to trade for a player, you listen to see if it will benefit the team," Angelo said. "But we're not going to trade Thomas just to trade him."

 

[Spiderman]

Coney said it all....

I think it's very viable that the Bears deal Thomas Jones to Indy.

This would also free up some coin to re-up Lance Briggs.

So they end up with Cedric Benson backed up by Adrian Peterson - which isn't exactly chopped liver. Briggs and Manning Jr. locked up long term.

...and then they pick up their 3rd rounder they lost (or 2nd rounder?) from Indy.

Just an FYI about Conehead (who made the original post). I had the pleasure to hoist an ale with him a couple of years ago when he was traveling through the US and had a layover in Chicago. This cat is in touch with NFL football, and lives in flippin Sweden.

If the Bears trade Thomas Jones, that's just stupid, especially if it's for a 3rd round pick (and some other later round pick).

 

[massraider]

If the Bears trade Thomas Jones, that's just stupid, especially if it's for a 3rd round pick (and some other later round pick).

Yes, it might be stupid to trade Thomas Jones, the one who ran for 1000+ yards last year, and was happy with his deal, and attended workouts.However, trading a 1000 yard rusher that wants a raise, and fired his agent, and is no longewr attending offseason workouts, might not seem so stupid.

I read something elsewhere, I can't recall where, that Briggs might have a tough time getting a big deal from the Bears because they don't want so much tied up in their LB's, and also because Briggs' agent is Rosenhaus, and the Bears felt that Rosenhaus cannot be trusted, because they felt they were used as leverage in the Jevon Kearse derby.

Not saying that Jones' choice of agent means anything, but something else to mull over.

 

[Raider Nation]

If TJ doesn't get traded, his actions could still open the door for Benson. Keep missing workouts, have Drew cry about your salary to the team, etc. Even if Jones stays in Chicago, I could see the team promoting Ced to first team if this stuff keeps up.

[/benson dynasty owner]

 

[B. Nugget]

If anybody should be given a pass on working out on his own, it should be TJ. I assume many of you haven't seen his physique or you wouldn't be worried about him not working out with the team.

If he misses mandantory workouts and becomes a locker room cancer, that is a totally different thing, but this is the off-season and his only real time to be away from the game.

I assume that everybody here checks in with their office while they are on a vacation, right?

Booby

 

[T Man]

From KFFL News and Notes

Apr 23 K.C. Johnson, of the Chicago Tribune, reports the Indianapolis Colts dropped their interest in trading for Chicago Bears RB Thomas Jones when they heard he had left the team's offseason conditioning program.

My thoughts:

More likely they dropped their interest when they realized a 3rd rounder wouldn't cut it and/or Drew Rosenhaus wanted significant coin. Colts can deal with Condon; not sure what their relationship with DR is.