Thomas Jones Holding Out? (1 Viewer)

[Footballhead]

There are still team in need of a good RB out there. TJ in Denver = Gold. Others that I think of, Indy off course, and Green Bay...anyhoo meanwhile we . There's always Rb dropping like flies during training camp.

 

[Bears_Man2]

There are still team in need of a good RB out there. TJ in Denver = Gold. Others that I think of, Indy off course, and Green Bay...anyhoo meanwhile we . There's always Rb dropping like flies during training camp.

If there's one thing that's for certain with Denver -- they don't pay big money to RB's. Thomas Jones is holding out for big money (which he's not getting from the Bears or anyone else).TJ's best situation is Chicago. He can sit out and possibly end up being the backup. Or honor his contract and start to begin the year.

 

[Big Score]

Thomas Jones is holding out for big money (which he's not getting from the Bears or anyone else).

I can't see them allocating much more cash to the RB position, considering the kind of deal TJ is seeking.

Seen this mentioned twice in this thread now. Just out of curiosity, does anyone actually know what kind of Jones is after?

(This goes out to anyone. Just quoted RAIDERNATION & Bears_Man2 for the question)

 

[T Man]

There are still team in need of a good RB out there. TJ in Denver = Gold. Others that I think of, Indy off course, and Green Bay...anyhoo meanwhile we . There's always Rb dropping like flies during training camp.

I seriously doubt Chicago would ever trade TJ to the Pack.TJ (under contract for 2 more years at @ $2 mill a year) is more valuable to Chicago then any pcik they could get for him.

Teams won't be lining up to spend lots of $$$ on TJ and part with a first day pick - so Chicago would be looking at a late round pick in any trade. For a team looking to advance further in the playoffs, a second quality RB is a must.

 

[Nemesis]

What about Jacksonville?............especially IF Fred Taylor gets hurt in mini-camp/pre-season.

 

[TheFanatic]

As the original post indicated, Da Bearzzz minicamp is coming up this weekend.

chicagobears.com

Any word on if T.J. will attend? It says it's a full-squad minicamp.

That Chicago Media will sure be watching. As opposed to someone missing the fact that the starting RB missing a mandatory training camp....In all honesty as an owner of both TJones and Cedric, I hope that he misses camp and holds out. Cedric would be on like Donkey Kong. No splitting time. No chance of RBBC. Just all Cedric, all the time. And if TJones actually forces a trade I would have to do the same, sad, white-man, uncoordinated, happy dance, that I did as a DDavis owner when the Texans took Mario Williams. Looks something like this ---->

 

[Raider Nation]

It was reported tonight on NFL Total Access that Jones showed up today for his physical, so he is expected to participate in the minicamp starting on Friday. :(

Briggs was a no-show and is not expected to attend.

 

[GRIDIRON ASSASSIN]

It appears Jones and Briggs are there... both reported for their physicals yesterday.

Like I said weeks ago, this is all blather - doing nothing more than passing time in the offseason.... I can envision Briggs still being a possible holdout, but not a chance with Thomas Jones as he has ZERO leverage...

From today's Sun Times:

Jones, Briggs come around for Bears' minicamp

June 2, 2006

BY BRAD BIGGS Staff Reporter

Continuity has been a major theme stressed by the Bears all offseason, with an improbable 22 starters returning.

All 22 are expected to be on the field when minicamp begins this afternoon at Halas Hall. Running back Thomas Jones and linebacker Lance Briggs were at the facility Thursday, easing any concerns that the clients of powerful agent Drew Rosenhaus would skip out on the mandatory weekend.

Jones and Briggs have been absent from the bulk of the Bears' voluntary offseason program, and for a team that's looking to win with a formula of defense and running the ball, the leading rusher and second-leading tackler are vital cogs.

Had Jones and Briggs chosen to stay away from minicamp -- a tactic some Rosenhaus clients have used successfully elsewhere -- the Bears could have fined them and possibly sought to recoup a portion of their signing-bonus money.

Now there will be harmony in Lake Forest -- or at least enough of a good vibe for everyone to be on the field together.

Jones, with two years remaining on his contract, expressed a desire to be traded before the draft. Briggs, seemingly with more leverage, is looking for a big payday coming off a Pro Bowl season. He is scheduled to earn $721,600 in the final year of his rookie contract, and negotiations with Rosenhaus broke off in April.

Last year's first-round pick, running back Cedric Benson, has made progress and is expected to get a greater share of the workload this season. Running backs coach Tim Spencer said last month that he had gone back to the basics with Benson in the playbook, ensuring that he will be up to speed on the nuances of his pass-protection responsibilities. That's an area in which Jones excels.

Linebacker, though, is not as deep, and there isn't anyone who could step in and replace Briggs. The Bears drafted Arizona State's Jamar Williams in the fourth round, calling him a Briggs-like player, but he wasn't selected with the idea of playing instantly.

General manager Jerry Angelo has not been able to add a veteran tight end, which he said he would try to do after opting not to draft one five weeks ago. He suggested that with 10 new head coaches in the NFL, rosters would turn over as those staffs molded their teams. No name players have hit the market, though, and there was hardly a ripple on the waiver wire Thursday -- the first day players could be cut with a portion of their signing bonus spread into the 2007 salary cap.

Priority free agents Tim Day (Oregon) and Cooper Wallace (Auburn) were signed after the draft, but Day is two weeks away from joining the Bears because Oregon is on the trimester system and players cannot join their teams until after they take their final exams.

And what, if any, production the Bears can get from those newcomers is unknown. They are far from locks to make the roster.

Veteran Desmond Clark will be counted on again to produce more in the passing game, and supporters point out that the fifth-ranked rushing offense got blocking help at tight end.

bbiggs@suntimes.com

 

[KnowledgeReignsSupreme]

 

[GRIDIRON ASSASSIN]

Cedric Benson worked exclusively with the first team offense in today's practice - primarily due to Thomas Jones petulence in avoiding voluntary team activities.

I'm sure money paid to Benson and Jones squawking about not being happy with his contract might have something to do with it also....

 

[aposulli]

Cedric Benson worked exclusively with the first team offense in today's practice - primarily due to Thomas Jones petulence in avoiding voluntary team activities.

I'm sure money paid to Benson and Jones squawking about not being happy with his contract might have something to do with it also....

Yyyep...Jones worked with the second team Friday behind 2005 first-round draft pick RB Cedric Benson. "We have a starting rotation," (Lovie) Smith said. "In order to be at the top of the starting rotation, you have to be here. So that's how it is. Cedric's at the top of the starting rotation at running back."

 

[RBM]

Interesting, those Lovie comments. We just cant lose at rb

Great to hear that Briggs is there.

This is going to be some team this year

 

[Balco]

It's a shame that Jones won't carry the load because the BEars foolishly drafted a running back too early last year. Great receiver, and always improving runner. I am surprised a team doesn't make a move for him.

 

[Raider Nation]

It's a shame that Jones won't carry the load because the Bears foolishly drafted a running back too early last year.

How exactly had Jones proven himself to ANYONE at the time CHI drafted Ced?

 

[Billy1x]

If Benson doesn't learn to pick up the Blitz quickly, Greise & Grossman could be in real trouble. Jones is a good blocker

 

[Raider Nation]

Cedric Benson worked exclusively with the first team offense in today's practice - primarily due to Thomas Jones petulence in avoiding voluntary team activities.

I'm sure money paid to Benson and Jones squawking about not being happy with his contract might have something to do with it also....

Jones worked with the second team Friday behind 2005 first-round draft pick RB Cedric Benson. "We have a starting rotation," (Lovie) Smith said. "In order to be at the top of the starting rotation, you have to be here. So that's how it is. Cedric's at the top of the starting rotation at running back."

Too lazy to look for the thread, but there were quotes from Lovie a couple of months ago where he said something like "Thomas is our starting running back. He had a great season last year, and he deserves to remain the starter."So one of five things is going on here:

1) Lovie is feeding us a line of regarding Ced being the new starter.

2) Lovie really believes Ced is the new starter after seeing Ced's dedication.

3) Lovie really believes Ced is the new starter.... until TJ earns the job back.

4) The Bears' brass "suggested" to Lovie that Benson become the starter.

5) The Bears' brass fully intends to trade Jones.

 

[SSOG]

Cedric Benson worked exclusively with the first team offense in today's practice - primarily due to Thomas Jones petulence in avoiding voluntary team activities.

I'm sure money paid to Benson and Jones squawking about not being happy with his contract might have something to do with it also....

Jones worked with the second team Friday behind 2005 first-round draft pick RB Cedric Benson. "We have a starting rotation," (Lovie) Smith said. "In order to be at the top of the starting rotation, you have to be here. So that's how it is. Cedric's at the top of the starting rotation at running back."

Too lazy to look for the thread, but there were quotes from Lovie a couple of months ago where he said something like "Thomas is our starting running back. He had a great season last year, and he deserves to remain the starter."So one of five things is going on here:

1) Lovie is feeding us a line of regarding Ced being the new starter.

2) Lovie really believes Ced is the new starter after seeing Ced's dedication.

3) Lovie really believes Ced is the new starter.... until TJ earns the job back.

4) The Bears' brass "suggested" to Lovie that Benson become the starter.

5) The Bears' brass fully intends to trade Jones.

I get the impression that it was a "For now, Cedric's the starter, so you better get your butt back in camp TJ" sort of thing. Mostly motivational, although if Jones continues to hold out, I wouldn't be surprised if Benson continues to sit at the top.