Matt Jones is still out there
Heading into last year, I'd never been a Matt Jones fan. I doubted him for most of last season, expecting Mike Walker to eventually surpass him as the Jaguars' No. 1 receiver. Horribly unlucky family/friend issues and some nagging injuries kept Walker low on Jacksonville's depth chart, however, and Jones proved he was a starting-caliber NFL wideout. Despite playing in a below-average passing attack, Jones was on pace to finish the 2008 season with 80 receptions for 937 yards before his season-ending three-game suspension for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.
Late in May, the NFL notified Jones that he would not face further sanctions for violating a court-mandated drug program by drinking a few beers on a golf course, then testing positive for alcohol.
Jones is likely available for the NFL minimum salary, and almost certainly would take a one-year deal. He'd be a very low-risk signing. Still, he's generated next to no interest.
Baltimore saw its second receiver of the offseason retire late Sunday when Drew Bennett called it quits due to a lingering knee injury that caused swelling and will require surgery. Jones would be an excellent fit for the Ravens. He possesses the skill set of a potentially dominant vertical receiver at 6'6/218 with 4.4-4.5 speed. He also catches the football over his shoulder well.
If GM Ozzie Newsome can't coax Derrick Mason out of retirement, Jones should be his top option. He obviously has more talent and is healthier than Bennett, and would be a fine complement for possession receiver Mark Clayton. At worst, Jones would present needed competition for Demetrius Williams. The Ravens need a receiver capable of stretching the field to capitalize on Joe Flacco's big arm.
Comments
The Ravens could use Matt Jones no matter what. The guy is good. Legit Dynasty value as well. As long as you're willing to hold a roster spot a little longer, he's worth the limited risk.
Posted by: BeastOrBust | July 27, 2009 01:14 PM
Eventually, he is going to sign w/someone, its just a matter of time. I agree, he would be a good fit w/Baltimore. Especially as they have the A type personalities to keep him in-line. And I think it would be prudent for them to do this even if Mason suddenly changes his mind. D. Willimas has never been able to stay healthy, so unless BAL wants to face 8 in the box all day long, they really should do something soon.
Posted by: Interested Observer | July 27, 2009 01:35 PM
the bears could also be a good fit. hell, my mom in a wheelchair might even be able to contribute to that wide receiving core. Raiders would make sense also
Posted by: mark | July 27, 2009 01:59 PM
Hmm ... I'm not sure what to think about Matt Jones anymore.
I USED to have an opinion, but clearly I need to wait for Captain Obvious and his "insiders" to tell me what I'm supposed to think.
;-)
Posted by: Juggs | July 27, 2009 04:32 PM
There are a ton of NFL teams that would leap at the chance for an athletic, #1 type WR: DAL, BAL, OAK, NYJ, NYG, SEA, STL, etc.
So why hasn't someone at least tried him out at a minimum? Something else is up, specifically they all know something we don't. It was almost exactly a year ago when Jones was busted cutting up coke with a credit card. Sorry, that just doesn't resolve itself.
In March, 2009 he was arrested, again, because he had had alcohol in his system in violation of the terms of his probation.
NFL teams all use investigative services these days to check guys out. Jones has obviously failed. And that's it these days. He's going to be another Todd Marinovich.
Posted by: stx_jay | July 28, 2009 12:49 AM
Some team has to take a risk on his talent. I'll bet on a "small city" team risking that very little night life availability will give him fewer opportunities to stray. STL, KC, CLE, (how come no one mentioned CLE? Edwards/Jones w/laser rocket arm Quinn = 20 TDs)
Posted by: M | July 28, 2009 09:08 AM
I would be somewhat excited if the Rams were to make a push for matt jones. I really don't trust Donnie Avery to be a true #1. The sigining of Ronald Curry was about as exciting as watching, well, Ronald Curry with the lions.
I also wouldn't say going to a "small town" like St. louis would be the solution. What happens when you have no nightlife, or a top of distractions? You revert back to old habits, I.E. cutting lines up with his platinum visa card.
Posted by: nate m | July 29, 2009 12:57 PM