Roy Williams/Kevin Jones want OUT! (1 Viewer)

[Childress]

I searched, hope it's not a honda.

http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2007/...y_to_leave.html

Here's the text

ALLEN PARK -- Neither player will say it publicly, but two of Detroit's best offensive players -- receiver Roy Williams and running back Kevin Jones -- are counting the days until they can leave Detroit.

While the losing seasons have taken their toll on the two players, there are other reasons why they want to leave the Lions organization and their motives aren't exactly the same.

Williams and Jones, who were both first-round draft picks in 2004, will become unrestricted free agents after next season and sources close to the players say they've had enough and want out.

Williams, who could miss the final four games of the regular season with a knee sprain, is averaging almost three yards less per catch than he did last season - his 16.0-yard average in 2006 is down to 13.3 yards this year.

At one time, Williams embraced the teaching of coordinator Mike Martz and even endured his sometimes abrasive coaching style, but that situation has changed. Williams has offered thinly veiled criticisms recently of Detroit's offensive game plan and his role in it.

Still, the overriding factor for Williams is that he simply wants to go home - or get closer to it.

The one thing you learn about Williams very quickly is that he loves Texas and would love to return to his home state. Williams is a Texas guy and mentions it in nearly every interview and flies back to his home in Odessa to see his young child every chance he gets. If the Lions get two consecutive days off, Williams bolts for Texas. There's absolutely nothing wrong with that, but it shows where his heart is.

Last week, Williams brought up his contract situation out of the blue and said he didn't know what his future holds. Williams quickly added that every player wants to stay with the team that originally drafted him but added "It's hard to do now with free agency.''

The situation with Jones is a little different because his entire motivation for leaving is centered on his diminished role in the offense. Jones has become a non-factor with the Lions; he's carried the ball more than 20 times just once all season - his only 100-yard game (in the win at Chicago).

If the Lions make some changes in their offensive philosophy, Jones wouldn't be as adamant about leaving but his frustration level is currently off the charts. Jones believes he's wasting his time with a team that doesn't want to use him and would prefer to suit up for a club that needs a back who actually runs the ball.

The irony of the situation with these two players is that Williams and Jones have been at odds since they had a sideline blowup in Chicago in 2005. There is no longer any outward animosity, but they're hardly the best of friends. Still, they're wishing the best for each other going into next year.

Williams is hoping Jones has a Pro Bowl season in 2008 because if the Lions are going to use the franchise tag on somebody, Williams doesn't want to be the one. Jones is thinking the same thing about Williams; Jones wants to have a breakout season but he doesn't want to get franchised as a result.

At this point, it's highly unlikely that either player would get hit with the franchise tag because of the huge salaries that are involved. The Lions, though, aren't in a position where they can afford to lose any talented players so they might not have a choice.

Williams and Jones have contemplated ways to engineer a quicker exit out of town -- trade demands, holdouts, etc. -- but they don't have any leverage so it's unlikely to happen.

Don't be surprised, though, if the Lions ultimately attempt to trade one or both of the players. While the front office will do everything it can to make them happy and productive -- and win a few games in the process (which will make everybody happy) -- they know it's a battle they might not be able to win.

Williams and Jones aren't likely to admit it publicly, but neither one of them believes their long-term future will be in Detroit.

I hope this will get Kevin Jones the ball more to end the season.

 

[Banger]

It's looking like an all out revolt against Martz. You can withstand the criticism if you're winning/playing good football but when you're spiraling downhill it's not a good situation. Martz's days sound numbered....

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

10 wins guaranteed

 

[Deuce'sWild]

10 wins guaranteed

 

[Bri]

Tough, you signed a contract now be a good football player and do as coach says and be a good teammate to your fellow teammates.

I hate this stuff

 

[JaxBill]

As an Eagles fan, the Lions trading Roy Williams to the Cowboys would cause me a lot of heartache. Although the humor of analysts trying to distinguish Roy Williams the safety from Roy Williams the WR could be humorous.

 

[azgroover]

As an Eagles fan, the Lions trading Roy Williams to the Cowboys would cause me a lot of heartache. Although the humor of analysts trying to distinguish Roy Williams the safety from Roy Williams the WR could be humorous.

I thought it was funny that the Big 12 was sporting 3 Roy Williamses who were head of the class in their positions all at the same time. The safety, the WR, and the hoops coach.

 

[oneohh]

Tough, you signed a contract now be a good football player and do as coach says and be a good teammate to your fellow teammates.I hate this stuff

Totally agree with this post. It's gotta be tough to be an NFL wide receiver and a former Longhorn, though. I bet Roy Williams crys himself to sleep at night. Prima donna.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

Ya know part of the reaso nfor drafting Mike Williams and Calvin Johnson was due to the Lions brass believing that Roy will leave as soon as he can.

 

[zamboni]

It's looking like an all out revolt against Martz. You can withstand the criticism if you're winning/playing good football but when you're spiraling downhill it's not a good situation. Martz's days sound numbered....

Sure seems that way, particularly when they're right in the hunt for the last wildcard berth.

 

[-OZ-]

It's looking like an all out revolt against Martz. You can withstand the criticism if you're winning/playing good football but when you're spiraling downhill it's not a good situation. Martz's days sound numbered....

Sure seems that way, particularly when they're right in the hunt for the last wildcard berth.

strange, who would have thought that 4 losses in a row with a complete beat-down by a division rival would prompt discontentment?I'll always love my Lions, but living near real football towns lately (KC and Nashville) with good owners and one great coach leaves me wondering what's wrong with that place. (ok, ok, so maybe Nashville fans aren't in the same league as KC or Green Bay, but the franchise is very strong) BTW, The answer is Ford.

 

[William Munny]

Unbelievable...

Williams is hoping Jones has a Pro Bowl season in 2008 because if the Lions are going to use the franchise tag on somebody, Williams doesn't want to be the one. Jones is thinking the same thing about Williams; Jones wants to have a breakout season but he doesn't want to get franchised as a result.

 

[TxBuckeye]

Tough, you signed a contract now be a good football player and do as coach says and be a good teammate to your fellow teammates.I hate this stuff

What does wanting out have to do with being a good player? The article didn't say anything abut them not playing as well as they can. It just said Jones didn't like his role and wants to go somewhere that will allow him to do what he's paid to do, run the ball. I see nothing wrong with that.

 

[W1cked]

I can understand Kevin Jones wanting to leave because he is not getting carries... as for Roy Williams. I will personally drive him to the airport. He talks allot better game then he plays. An his first down celebrations when the team is down by 30 points gets old real quick.

 

[Wilbur Wood]

Mike Martz is the worst Offensive Coordinator in the NFL.

He has made no adjustments to reflect the fact that the 2006/2007 Lions do not have the same personnel that the Rams of the Warner Era had and the fact that the NFL defenses have evolved, as they always do.

He should be summarily dismissed and never work in the league again.

 

[Bri]

Tough, you signed a contract now be a good football player and do as coach says and be a good teammate to your fellow teammates.I hate this stuff

What does wanting out have to do with being a good player? The article didn't say anything abut them not playing as well as they can. It just said Jones didn't like his role and wants to go somewhere that will allow him to do what he's paid to do, run the ball. I see nothing wrong with that.

I thought I answerred your Q already in the initial post

 

[TitusIII]

Who can blame them? As long as Millen is running the show, that team will be hard pressed to win 8 games. I would love to what Williams can do with an offensive line that protects his QB...

 

[malice]

10 wins guaranteed

If there's truth to this two players trying to dodge the franchise tag story, that's cumulative between this year and next.

 

[mrspree15]

Not that I doubt that they are unhappy with the Lions, but it sure seems like there is A LOT of speculation in that article.

 

[Koya]

Tough, you signed a contract now be a good football player and do as coach says and be a good teammate to your fellow teammates.I hate this stuff

Totally agree with this post. It's gotta be tough to be an NFL wide receiver and a former Longhorn, though. I bet Roy Williams crys himself to sleep at night. Prima donna.

People so easily forget that these guys are human. Please... don't hold them up to any standard that you yourself could not be held against. If you were a supremely talented back in that disgrace of a system with a team that has an even worse disgrace of a recent history, you would not be happy either.Why do you think these guys MUST be so happy? Because they play football (for a losing team and a coach they can't respect and who doesnt respect them) and make a lot of money? There is more to life than money. There is quality of life. If someone wants to be around family, if someone wants to feel involved in the team that they risk their body for every week - it seems hypocritical for fans to come down on greedy millionaire players and then in the next breathe say how they don't understand how such players can not be happy.

 

[glock]

Tough, you signed a contract now be a good football player and do as coach says and be a good teammate to your fellow teammates.

I hate this stuff

Totally agree with this post. It's gotta be tough to be an NFL wide receiver and a former Longhorn, though. I bet Roy Williams crys himself to sleep at night. Prima donna.

People so easily forget that these guys are human. Please... don't hold them up to any standard that you yourself could not be held against. If you were a supremely talented back in that disgrace of a system with a team that has an even worse disgrace of a recent history, you would not be happy either.Why do you think these guys MUST be so happy? Because they play football (for a losing team and a coach they can't respect and who doesnt respect them) and make a lot of money? There is more to life than money. There is quality of life. If someone wants to be around family, if someone wants to feel involved in the team that they risk their body for every week - it seems hypocritical for fans to come down on greedy millionaire players and then in the next breathe say how they don't understand how such players can not be happy.

You tree hugging football player hugging liberal you.

 

[FavreCo]

10 wins guaranteed

Signs point to 'no chance' says The Kitna Meter. http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/secti...gory=SPORTS0101

 

[mofo313]

Good riddance Roy. Your bush league 1st down celebrations may be welcome in TX but they've been stale a long time in Detroit. Maybe just maybe if you were more concerned about catching the ball instead of celebrating a 1st down (especially when you're down 20+ pts with 2:00 left.)

As for KJ, I'd love to see him get a chance with a decent O-line but I doubt that will happen.

 

[Colin Dowling]

I think the Cowboys would trade one of their firsts for Roy in a heartbeat.

 

[Anonymous Internet User]

I think the Cowboys would trade one of their firsts for Roy in a heartbeat.

isn't there a rule prohibiting teams from having two players with the same names? if not, there should be.and I don't think they would.

 

[RICK ROMO]

Just like Detroit. Always wasting the talents of great running backs. First it was Barry and now KJ. What a pitiful franchise.

 

[teamroc]

Just like Detroit. Always wasting the talents of great running backs. First it was Barry and now KJ. What a pitiful franchise.

First Barry and now KJ?I assume these are hot dog vendors? Janitors? You couldn't have meant Barry Sanders and Kevin Jones.

 

[acapella]

Unbelievable...

Williams is hoping Jones has a Pro Bowl season in 2008 because if the Lions are going to use the franchise tag on somebody, Williams doesn't want to be the one. Jones is thinking the same thing about Williams; Jones wants to have a breakout season but he doesn't want to get franchised as a result.

:whoosh: There is ZERO chance that Jones would get a franchise tag. He simply is not worth the money, even for a one year contract.

 

[pinda]

Interesting that Owens contract is up next year, and Roy wanting to go back to Texas after next year........hmmm, a match made in heaven.

 

[mofo313]

Interesting that Owens contract is up next year, and Roy wanting to go back to Texas after next year........hmmm, a match made in heaven.

F Texas and Roy Williams, a match made in heaven indeed

 

[Blackjacks]

I think the Cowboys would trade one of their firsts for Roy in a heartbeat.

Roy Williams and Tony Romo would have a nice next 5 years together(Dallas has Cleveland and their own #1 next year)

 

[Da Guru]

I think the Cowboys would trade one of their firsts for Roy in a heartbeat.

Roy Williams and Tony Romo would have a nice next 5 years together(Dallas has Cleveland and their own #1 next year)

I would take a #1 for Roy and send him packing. Make CJ the feature guy, McDonald and Furry are good enough.