[CBFF] CBFF Blog: Thomas Jones, here's a thought...

[Jerry Madsen]

Thomas Jones, here's a thought...

by Jerry Madsen

... You're screwed.

What leverage does Thomas Jones have in getting a new contract from
the Bears or even forcing trade?

Very little, from where I'm sitting.

True, he is the first Bears' running back to rush for over 1300 yards
since Walter; but ironically, that doesn't mean as much to the Bears
as it might to other teams.

First, from Jerry Angelo's perspective, he's got another back in
Cedric Benson who could match, if not exceed, those numbers.  Plus,
he's paying the second-year back as if he expects as much.  Hell,
Benson declared over the weekend that he expects at least 1700.  He
went so far as to say that 2000 isn't beyond the realm of possibility.

Second, Jones still has two-years left on a deal that's paying him
starter's money.  Between the two backs, a large chunk of the cap is
dedicated to the running game.  How can he justify spending more?

As far as a trade, no GM who is worth their weight in salt will
complete a trade for the sake of completing a trade.  My guess is that
the Bears believe they can make a legit run at the Superbowl in 06,
and having depth at running back would be key in doing so.  He won't
trade Jones unless he truly feels he's getting value-plus in return.

As far as the assertion by Mike Florio at PFT that, "Clearly, the
Bears demoted RB Thomas Jones and LB Lance Briggs in order to squeeze
them into attending the final waves of voluntary offseason workouts,"
I have one question.  Huh?

Florio, you're a dumb-ass.  They got demoted because they missed
OTA's.  Making them practice with the 2nd Team is hardly a motivator
when millions of dollars are on the line.


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