Schefter: Browns Interested in RB Thomas Jones?
by Chris Pokorny on Mar 1, 2010 10:43 PM EST
in General News
60 comments
When LaDainian Tomlinson and Brian Westbrook were released, I think the reaction among Browns fans could be summed with one simple word: pass. When word came that the New York Jets were set to release RB Thomas Jones, the reaction was a tad different. Now there is more of a split crowd as to whether or not Jones, who resurrected his career under Eric Mangini, should be pursued by the Browns.
ESPN's Adam Schefter tweeted that the Browns are among one of four teams who might be showing interest in the veteran running back:
Best I can tell, there are four potential landing spots for former Jets RB Thomas Jones: Cleveland, Seattle, San Diego and Houston.
If we just discarded an aging Jamal Lewis, then why would the Browns be interested in a 32-year old running back?
Unlike Lewis, Jones hasn't seen a steep decline in his production, and he hasn't been hampered by nearly as many injuries. Here is a quick glance as Jones' production with the Jets over the past three years, not including receiving statistics:
- 2007: 1,119 yards rushing, 3.6 YPC, 1 touchdown.
- 2008: 1,312 yards rushing, 4.5 YPC, 13 touchdowns
- 2009: 1,402 yards rushing, 4.2 YPC, 14 touchdowns
Jones was used in conjunction with the development of two young running backs -- Leon Washington in 2008, and Shonn Greene in 2009. The reason I see the Browns having trouble signing Jones is that I think he has still has a recent resume to warrant a starting role on one of the teams in the league that needs a running back, particularly Seattle.
In an ideal scenario, I would like Jerome Harrison to receive a shot as the true No. 1 running back while we focus on other positions high in the draft. If Jones could sign on for one or two years as a heavily-used backup, I would certainly be in favor of the move. Jones will probably be the most attractive veteran free agent running back on the market though, so again, I have my doubts that the Browns would even be a contender in signing him as a backup.
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I would be fine signing him to split with Harrison. Jones was great last year.
Mangini likes his former Jet players, and this one is worth pursuing.
Scientific research has proven that you lose exactly 5.37 billion brain cells every time you listen to Todd McShay.
by TheRealSlimShady on Mar 1, 2010 10:50 PM EST reply actions
I’m not liking the age thing, but he’s still stud!!!!
If we get him, we get him. If not, oh well. Not gunna stress over it right now.
If you're at the table and you don't see a sucker..... you're it.
If we get him, we get him. If not, oh well. Not gunna stress over it right now.
This is generally how I feel. I’d be an advocate of the move at the right price, but I’m not going to put it as a priority.
Dawgs By Nature - Covering the Cleveland Browns on SB Nation.
by Chris Pokorny on Mar 1, 2010 11:11 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, the price is a concern.
If you're at the table and you don't see a sucker..... you're it.
by Brownie's Year on Mar 1, 2010 11:41 PM EST up reply actions
I was a big fan of Jones’ when the Bears traded him in 2007, opting instead for Cedric Benson (the deadbeat bust, not the resurgent Bengal). I’m not a big fan of signing a 32 year old Jones if it takes another Jamal Lewis-esque contract to get him here.
Now a 1-2 year deal, that could be a good thing.
by Monsters of the Midway on Mar 2, 2010 9:58 AM EST up reply actions
Our original deal with Jamal was for one year, and I don’t think we paid much for it.
by TheDriveStillHurts on Mar 2, 2010 4:54 PM EST up reply actions
Thomas Jones is going to have more suitors than Jamal.
by Bernie19Kosar on Mar 2, 2010 11:55 PM EST up reply actions
True that we just cut Lewis and they’re in the same age group. But Thomas Jones over J Lewis any day.
I won’t sigh if we don’t sign him but it would be cool not having to draft an RB and use the pick on some other position.
Probably the only Cleveland Browns fan in all of Sydney, NSW.
we don’t really have to draft a RB even if we don’t sign jones. harrison showed enough to allow the staff to focus on other areas of concern. that’s what i think is nice about harrison’s performance to end last season, it eliminates one of our major sources of hand-wringing and worry.
having two 1000 yrd gainers would eliminate any QB controversy. Anybody remember Byner/Mack? Jones hardly touched the ball his first five years- meaning he’s still fresh. Getting this guy is perfect for the Browns!
by dawggonehawaiian on Mar 2, 2010 1:54 AM EST reply actions
i remember byner and mack; i also remember a guy named kosar, who might have played a part in avoiding a QB controversy with that team…
by Dawg Nuts on Mar 2, 2010 10:26 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
How do you mean he was better? IMO, Lewis was awesome in his prime. Backfields were scared to hit the guy. Not saying Thomas is a lame-o. He’s pretty damn good too.
If you're at the table and you don't see a sucker..... you're it.
by Brownie's Year on Mar 2, 2010 9:44 AM EST up reply actions
No way, jose. If we sign Thomas, you just have to know that Mangini will refuse to play Harrison again.
As it is, we still have James Davis anyhow. Let’s go ahead and pick up our power back in the draft and set our selves up for the next 5+ years with a solid one-two punch.
You make a good point BrownDawg. But if the Browns opt not to draft a power back this year, I believe I’ve heard that next year’s draft is stacked with RB’s. Still setting us up for a solid future backfield.
by Monsters of the Midway on Mar 2, 2010 10:01 AM EST up reply actions
It’s funny how we seem to be more interested in Jones than LT or Westbrook. Who would have guessed that 3 years ago?
My only question with Jones is…would he even consider coming to Cleveland. He says he has some years left, but is he looking for a playoff contender right now? LT and BW probably are, and it would not suprise me if Jones is as well. However, I suppose in the NFL if you dangle enough money out there anyone will sign.
That said, we don’t want Jones for a huge price tag. Monsters of Midway said it best. If Jones isn’t cheap, then we pick up a back in the late rounds of the draft.
Jones seems to have serious mentor ability that I’m not convinced Lewis had.
That’s enough to justify a generous 2 year contract in my book.
I think he’ll come because of the Mangini factor.
"The Braylon vaccine- one jab and you'll never catch anything ever again"
You cant say Lewis wasn’t a decent mentor. He let Harrison go with him on his offseason workouts and definately seemed to teach him a thing or two.
Wasn’t Lewis mentoring Davis as well? Way before he was drafted?
Probably the only Cleveland Browns fan in all of Sydney, NSW.
Yes and yes; Davies definitely gave him some credit.
But Jones seems to have a leadership ability across the whole team. So I’m not saying that Lewis was poor, rather that Jones could be much better.
"The Braylon vaccine- one jab and you'll never catch anything ever again"
this
The sporting gods hate Cleveland, they give us false hopes, then yank it out from under us like a tablecloth.
by North Coast Flea on Mar 2, 2010 5:19 PM EST up reply actions
I know we’re not putting all our trust in a running back who had 5 good games! DA had a good “year” and see what happened in year 2! Playing in the AFC North, good running backs are at a premium. Jones brings leadership and can mentor the younger backs, Rushing for over 1400 yds last year, he also brings a “proven” rushing threat that could give Quinn or “whoever” more time to throw. I’m also for drafting Gerhart in 3rd or 4th round, to put a good 3rd or 4th and short runner into the mix. Harrison, Jones, Davis, Gerhart and Vickers. I’m ready to win NOW, not when they mature!!!
by kamasutraman_007 on Mar 2, 2010 7:15 PM EST reply actions
At some point, you have to look at a running back and say, “we’re going to give him a shot.” Otherwise, how would any young running back be evaluated?
Dawgs By Nature - Covering the Cleveland Browns on SB Nation.
by Chris Pokorny on Mar 2, 2010 7:28 PM EST up reply actions
okay, if he is as good as we all think, then the Browns could stand another 1000-yard combo backfield. ie Mack and Byner. The combo works good for the Panthers and they have a crappy QB. Just think of a rushing attack that can’t be easily game planned against.
by kamasutraman_007 on Mar 2, 2010 7:57 PM EST up reply actions
that would be easy if we didn’t have so many other needs; but given that we do, i think harrison showed that he is good enough to ride until some other pieces are in place. focusing on getting jones in order to have a dominant one-two punch is less important than spending that money on other areas of greater need and sticking with our current “half-decent” one-two punch.
having a solid one-two punch is very important. A running game takes our other weaknesses out of the picture. If we can chew the clock up by running down the field the entire team gets better in every way – more rest, better game planning, AND more confidence as a unit. Running the ball kicks a..
by dawggonehawaiian on Mar 3, 2010 10:05 PM EST up reply actions
yes yes yes
Whilst I’d do handstands to see another 1,000yard pairing- it was Mack & Byner that drew me to the Browns in the first place- I’d be happy with a great one-two punch.
Plus the veteran backfield leadership could take the pressure off Quinn (or any other young QB)
"The Braylon vaccine- one jab and you'll never catch anything ever again"
with what BQ showed us, you could have jim brown and oj simpson in the backfield and it wouldn’t take enough pressure off of him. 2 great RBs also don’t make our defensive backfield better. our running game was good enough last year to focus more on other areas this year in FA and the draft.
now i’m not saying i wouldn’t like to have a better RB, of course I would; but harrison proved himself to be effective enough to work on other areas. that’s all i’m saying. i’d rather spend the money we’d spend on thomas jones to get a veteran QB or DB, or to have the extra money we may need to sign our #7 pick.
2010 will most likely be a cap free year, all you guys talking $ are off. I like Bernie, my cousin graduated w/ him at Boardman HS. In your other post, you praised Bernie for avoiding a QB controversy, now you are bashing him for being less than graceful in the pocket. You talk out of both sides of your mouth and you don’t deserve to use Jim Brown’s picture as your icon
by dawggonehawaiian on Mar 4, 2010 3:02 PM EST up reply actions
1. please show me where i mentioned one word about bernie kosar in my above comment.
2. my icon is none of your business, but since we’re on it, i’d suggest you get a picture of a horse’s ass to use for yours.
3. try being here longer than 5 minutes before you start calling people out; in fact, don’t do it at all unless you understand what someone is saying.
all I see you doing is following guys to cut them down. Harrison is going to be keyed on by defences next year and is going to need some REAL help. Having OUR offence on the field keeps the opponents’ off. It makes our whole team better, including our DBs, if they have a good coach that is game planning them for the next series of downs
by dawggonehawaiian on Mar 4, 2010 3:34 PM EST up reply actions
all I see you doing is following guys to cut them down.
don’t know what this means. i respond to people’s comments by both agreeing and arguing points of contention. this is a fansite that runs on discussion and debate, and on this site its pretty intelligent debate. if you can’t handle being disagreed with, maybe this isn’t the place for you.
also, neither of us works for the browns or has any influence over team decisions. if we sign thomas jones, you’re right and i’m wrong, and i’ll admit it. i just don’t think we need him, but its only an opinion. you were the first to get angry about things, and it was over something you were mistaken about. let’s drop it and move on.
I’m only trying to say that a strong, proven back will take pressure off the entire franchise (especially BQ). Thomas Jones is the ideal quick fix, Mangini got him to the Jets in the first place. We have an offensive line that can make things happen, in my opinion, and, like I said, teams will be keying on Harrison if we don’t get him quality help now. If we don’t get Jones (help) , it won’t matter if we get probowl DBs , we won’t be able to score.
by dawggonehawaiian on Mar 4, 2010 4:31 PM EST up reply actions
and you know what…if they don’t win now, lets get rid of all of them….because I am IMPATIENT. I NEED ALL the players to be good NOW. screw developing a young player. screw developing someone who could be great. I WANNA WINNING TEAM NOW DADDY!!!! I WANT YOU TO GET ME ONE RIGHT AWAY!!!
(singing) “I want the world. I want the whole world. I want to lock it all up in my pocket. It’s my bar of chocolate. Give it to me now!!”
by bross09 on Mar 2, 2010 7:39 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
lol…
I guess I just get annoyed with everyone who always is extremely impatient and thinks that we should get rid of everyone after one season…granted I will admit fault that I recently was like that. however, not as bad as this person seems to be. whenever i listen to football analysts talk about the biggest problems in the game today (pro or college) this often comes up.
plus he just sounded like veruca salt and I had to do it…
yep…so tempting…
I want an Oompa Loompa Now…which is a metaphor for wanting to win now and not being satisfied if the browns don’t.
i’m fairly hog certain that moon would start your oompa-loompa at center. oompa-loompas have the kind of body type moon loves.
recced for overall awesomeness.
The sporting gods hate Cleveland, they give us false hopes, then yank it out from under us like a tablecloth.
by North Coast Flea on Mar 3, 2010 12:51 AM EST up reply actions
I love this idea. If Thomas Jones comes at the right price on a 2 or 3 year contract, he sounds like a good fit for the team. He definitely doesn’t have the same miles on him that Jamal Louis had when he acquired him. High Character guy, good hard worker probably could have 2 more productive seasons sharing carries with Harrison and James Davis.
Moreover, he could shore up the RB position for at least this year and let the Browns address their other needs this season. As long as the contract isn’t too big or too long, it’s low risk, if Jones doesn’t work out you can always go back to the draft in 2011.
"My signature is only one line. You're welcome."
I really hope you didn’t just say Jamal Louis.
Scientific research has proven that you lose exactly 5.37 billion brain cells every time you listen to Todd McShay.
by TheRealSlimShady on Mar 3, 2010 7:38 PM EST up reply actions
Is it silent like Louisville or pronounced like Louisiana?
"Spartans never die Jorge. They're just missing in action."
by SpecialBrownie on Mar 3, 2010 9:03 PM EST up reply actions
Well, this goes without saying.
"Spartans never die Jorge. They're just missing in action."
by SpecialBrownie on Mar 4, 2010 8:28 AM EST up reply actions
I like Thomas Jones, i just don’t think that a thirty two year old running back is a good investment. Going into to next season i felt that running back was already ttaken care of. We need to invest are money into positions that we need help in. And i dont see thomas jones going anywhere as a backup, we sign Jones we lose Harrison. You think Harrison wants to spend another year second or third string.
2 backs are better than 1
few fan blog’s around the league are talking much of Jones, good news to me
by dawggonehawaiian on Mar 5, 2010 11:57 AM EST reply actions
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