The latest in Kevin Jones
So Kevin Jones reversed course at the last minute and worked out in front of four NFL teams Saturday: Detroit, Miami, Green Bay, and Pittsburgh. Cleveland reportedly asked for a tape of the proceedings. Now it appears Tampa is in the mix or at least Jones is interested in them. I touched on the topic in my minicamp notes some, but here is what we know about Jones.
1. Dr. D.S. Ping is not Jones' holistic healer/rehab leader/agent, as one report indicated. Just the first two. Ping is a registered NFL agent, but he doesn't represent Jones. Ping was nice enough to respond to my inquries and he did confirm the Bucs' interest was real.
2. If Tampa is interested, I think that says a lot about Michael Bennett and Warrick Dunn, especially Bennett. This would be a great fit for Jones to rehab his career. It sounds like he knows it.
3. It's no surprise Detroit was doing their due diligence on their old player. Miami, Green Bay, and Pittsburgh are bigger surprises. How confident is Miami in Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams staying healthy? And can Jalen Parmele be ready to step in? The Packers and Steelers interest strikes me as just covering their bases, but you never know.
I expect Jones to sign in the next two weeks. After he does, Najeh Davenport may find a job. New Orleans would make some sense for him. And unless big injuries strike in camp, Shaun Alexander's career could be over.
Comments
If Jones could stay healthy (HUGE if) I'd like him more than anybody currently on Tampa's roster. I have my doubts that he'll be ready before mid-season though, so who knows if they'll bite.
The Browns could be a destination here, too. There isn't much behind Jamal Lewis and they could give Jones the luxury of sitting while he heals with the potential to compete in 2009 when he'll only be 27, as opposed to Lewis' 30.
Posted by: Chad F. | July 1, 2008 03:34 PM
Why doesn't CHI make a run at him? Or DEN? They both seem like good fits with so many questions around their running games.
Posted by: Shane | July 1, 2008 05:05 PM
Because Chicago is intent on making horrible choices until they have the worst team of all time.
Posted by: JR | July 1, 2008 07:44 PM
You know who else has questions surrounding their running game? THE LIONS. Maybe they should consider bringing KJ back.
Posted by: Hazean | July 1, 2008 09:11 PM
I like Kevin Jones. I still have visions of him running over would be tacklers as a rookie. He also has been able to pick himself up and recover from two devestating injuries. I would think that San Fran would have interest. I thought Martz liked him enough and he showed flashes in his system catching the ball. Not sure if the feeling is mutual. Gore is no sure bet to stay healthy and Foster doesn't inspire. No matter what, if he is healthy I would think he would be the first free agent RB left that would get signed. I would also bet that at some point he becomes a fantasy factor.
Posted by: Jeremy | July 2, 2008 06:41 AM
I am amazed at Cinci's 'aooarent' lack of interest - THAT is the perfect fit.
Posted by: Scott L. | July 2, 2008 10:37 AM