Thomas Jones

[eefflrat 0]

This could have huge implications for Benson owners:

Bears | Team divided on running back situation; Jones skipping workouts

Sat, 22 Apr 2006 06:07:14 -0700

 

Brad Biggs, of the Chicago Sun-Times, reports the Chicago Bears appear to be divided about their running back situation. Head coach Lovie Smith reacted adamantly against the idea RB Thomas Jones could be traded, but general manager Jerry Angelo did not deny an ESPN report that has linked the veteran running back to the Indianapolis Colts, who are still working to replace RB Edgerrin James in their high-powered offense. Complicating the matter is that Jones fired agent Tom Condon and signed on with Drew Rosenhaus in the last week, and has stopped reporting for the voluntary offseason program at Halas Hall. A source in Indianapolis said the best package the Bears could get would start with a third-round pick in the draft. ''If there is a trade that will improve Thomas' situation, that would certainly be appealing,'' Rosenhaus said.

[IAMWood 6]

Benson has a lot to prove, the Bears have lots of needs, but letting Jones go would be a mistake.

[Rye & Leaf 0]

Jones would be a great fit in the Colts system. He can do everything Edge can do and he is a better blocker. I could see Manning lobbying for a guy like this.

[The Brain 0]

Wonderful, he signed on with that headache DR

[Portis26 0]

Benson has a lot to prove, the Bears have lots of needs, but letting Jones go would be a mistake.

 

no way... Benson is a STUD.. Bears would be stupid NOT to trade T Jones for something in return. Maybe that big arse TE and a draft pick.

[TIKI-BARBERS-BARBER 0]

no way... Benson is a STUD.. Bears would be stupid NOT to trade T Jones for something in return. Maybe that big arse TE and a draft pick.

He hadn't proved anything in the NFl that would suggest he is a stud because of injury. The Bears would be foolish to let Jones go for a late rd 3 pick. Benson being injury prone should keep Jones in Chicago for another year.

[Portis26 0]

He hadn't proved anything in the NFl that would suggest he is a stud because of injury. The Bears would be foolish to let Jones go for a late rd 3 pick. Benson being injury prone should keep Jones in Chicago for another year.

 

They drafted Benson to play, not sit on the bench.. sometimes you have to move forward and cut loose ends and hand over the job to the guy you invested in. TJones was a stop gap solution who did very well... now its time to give the keys to Benson and let him go. Get something in return for Tjones - thats good mangement.

 

Benson is a quick, elusive and physical back who models his game after his idol, 1998 Heisman Trophy winner Ricky Williams. He also possesses great vision and balance. Benson is a product of the Longhorns' renowned training room, and has grown bigger and stronger each year, gaining more than 20 pounds since arriving at the university as a freshman.

 

Benson was a Parade All-American, three-time Texas 5A Offensive Player of the Year and first-team all-state halfback at Lee High School. He was also named USA Today's Texas Player of the Year and was a finalist (Southwest Region winner) for the High School Heisman in 2000. He rushed for 8,423 career yards (No. 4 in Texas history/No. 1 in Class 5A history), scored 127 touchdowns (No. 2 in Texas history/No. 3 nationally) and averaged 183.1 yards and 2.8 touchdowns per game during his career.

 

Benson rushed for 100 or more yards in 33 of his final 34 games and scored in 36 of his final 37 outings. He posted five career 300-yard rushing games and led the team to a 43-3 record and three consecutive Texas 5A Division I State Championships (just the fourth team in Texas history to win three consecutive titles in Class 5A). As a senior, he rushed for 2,871 yards and 43 touchdowns and caught nine passes for 233 yards and three scores. Benson added 680 yards on 90 carries (7.6 avg.) and scored a state-record 15 touchdowns in the three state title game victories.

 

As a junior, Benson ran for 3,526 yards and 44 touchdowns and caught 14 passes for 360 yards and seven scores in leading Lee to a 15-0 record and the USA Today High School National Championship as a junior. He ran for 2,026 yards and 30 touchdowns in leading Lee to a 15-1 record and a final national ranking of No. 10 as a sophomore. He also was an outstanding centerfielder for the baseball team, hitting .361 with four home runs and 14 RBI in District 4-5A games as a senior.

 

Benson was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 12th round (370th overall) of the 2001 Major League Baseball Draft. He signed with the team, but also attended Texas with the Dodgers paying for his schooling. Benson spent 2001 and 2002 playing summer ball at Vero Beach, but failed to show up for training camp in 2003 and then quit the sport in 2004. He acknowledged that the Dodgers were not pleased when he failed to report and later quit the team, as they invested over $100,000 in him.

 

At Texas, he immediately became the Longhorns' featured back, having earned team MVP and Freshman All-America honors after totaling 1,053 yards and 13 touchdowns on 223 carries, despite missing action late in the year with a pinched nerve in his neck (did not play in the Holiday Bowl). In 2002, he collected 1,293 yards on 305 carries with 12 scores and caught 21 passes for 119 yards, earning All-Big Twelve Conference second-team honors from the Associated Press.

 

In 2003, he became the first player in school history to rush for over 1,000 yards in three consecutive seasons (Earl Campbell and Ricky Williams gained 1,000 yards three times in a career), as he rushed 258 times for 1,360 yards (fifth-best season total) and 21 touchdowns (third-best season total in school history), despite being suspended from the Baylor game. For that performance, he was awarded with All-Big Twelve first-team honors. Benson also earned a spot on Texas' Athletic Director's Academic Honor Roll, was the team's Outstanding Offensive Back and was the recipient of the Darrell Royal Most Valuable Offensive Player Award.

 

As a senior, Benson was the winner of the 2004 Doak Walker Award and Cingular ABC Sports All-America Player of the Year Award. He was a semifinalist for the Maxwell Award and earned first-team All-America honors from ESPN and Sports Illustrated. Benson was a unanimous first-team All-Big Twelve selection and earned conference Co-Offensive Player of the Year honors from the Austin-American Statesman. He started all year, rushing for 1,834 yards (No. 3 on the Texas single-season list) and 19 touchdowns (No. 4 on the Texas single-season list), while catching 22 passes for 179 yards.

 

In 49 games, Benson carried 1,112 times for 5,540 yards (5.0 avg.) and 64 touchdowns. His 5,540 yards rank sixth on the NCAA Division I-A career-record list and is topped only by Williams (6,279, 1995-98) on the Longhorns' all-time record chart. He is only the fifth back in NCAA history to rush for over 1,000 yards in each of his four seasons. His 64 touchdowns are surpassed only by Williams (72) and Travis Prentice of Miami, Ohio (73, 1996-99) on the NCAA's career record list. He also set an NCAA record by scoring at least once in 37 games. In the 25 games in which Benson ran for over 100 yards, the Longhorns won every contest.

 

Benson also caught 69 passes for 621 yards (9.0 avg.) and three scores. His 6,161 all-purpose yards rank second in school annals, surpassed only by Williams (7,206). He is one of three players in NCAA history to rush for 5,000 yards and score 400 points. 262 of his 1,112 career carries have gone for first downs (23.6 percent) and Benson gained 3,108 of his 5,540 career rushing yards (56.1 percent) after contact. Only 84 of his 1,112 career carries have resulted in lost yardage (once every 13.2 carries). His 404 career points rank second in Texas history and fourth in NCAA annals among non-kickers.

[Peens 0]

He hadn't proved anything in the NFl that would suggest he is a stud because of injury. The Bears would be foolish to let Jones go for a late rd 3 pick. Benson being injury prone should keep Jones in Chicago for another year.

 

Looking at Bensons 4 year college career at Texas I think calling him "injury prone" is a bit of a stretch.

 

Bottom line is they drafted him 4th overall and in todays NFL you cant afford to pay someone that kind of money to be a backup.

[Portis26 0]

Looking at Bensons 4 year college career at Texas I think calling him "injury prone" is a bit of a stretch.

 

Bottom line is they drafted him 4th overall and in todays NFL you cant afford to pay someone that kind of money to be a backup.

 

WOW - I agree with Peens -- what is this world coming too

[DrJ 0]

The Bears are not giving Jones up for a late 3rd round pick.

 

There are no signs whatsoever that indicate he is being shopped other than some rumors started by fantasy football geeks. The Bears may shop him next season, after Benson proves himself this year, but they are not going to hand Benson the #1 job and put their entire season on his back just so they can get a late 3rd one year sooner.

 

If Indy wants to give up their 2nd along with that 3rd, they'll be in the ballpark. And that's not going to happen, so this talk is just silly.

[TIKI-BARBERS-BARBER 0]

The Bears are not giving Jones up for a late 3rd round pick.

 

There are no signs whatsoever that indicate he is being shopped other than some rumors started by fantasy football geeks. The Bears may shop him next season, after Benson proves himself this year, but they are not going to hand Benson the #1 job and put their entire season on his back just so they can get a late 3rd one year sooner.

 

If Indy wants to give up their 2nd along with that 3rd, they'll be in the ballpark. And that's not going to happen, so this talk is just silly.

Exactly he was to injury prone last year for the Bears to trade Jones and put there whole season on Benson. If Benson proves himself this year I can see them trading Jones in 2007 but not this year and for a late rd pick.

[Walter34 3]

The Bears are not giving Jones up for a late 3rd round pick.

 

There are no signs whatsoever that indicate he is being shopped other than some rumors started by fantasy football geeks. The Bears may shop him next season, after Benson proves himself this year, but they are not going to hand Benson the #1 job and put their entire season on his back just so they can get a late 3rd one year sooner.

 

If Indy wants to give up their 2nd along with that 3rd, they'll be in the ballpark. And that's not going to happen, so this talk is just silly.

 

agreed.

 

The Bears need to be strong on the run game and having the current depth is necessary. TJ still has two years left on his deal, so there is no imminent danger unless Drew convinces him to hold out. He has earned a better payday, but still has a deal to complete. Hopefully it doesnt get to that point. He was the consumate professioanl last year - worked hard and out produced Benson. Benson still has to prove that he is an elite NFL back. You dont get that just because of a great college career.

 

Unless Chi gets a knock your socks off offer, just keep TJ. Indy is the team in need here, not the Bears.

[Peens 0]

WOW - I agree with Peens -- what is this world coming too

 

All it means is that you're finally right.

[Portis26 0]

agreed.

 

The Bears need to be strong on the run game and having the current depth is necessary. TJ still has two years left on his deal, so there is no imminent danger unless Drew convinces him to hold out. He has earned a better payday, but still has a deal to complete. Hopefully it doesnt get to that point. He was the consumate professioanl last year - worked hard and out produced Benson. Benson still has to prove that he is an elite NFL back. You dont get that just because of a great college career.

 

Unless Chi gets a knock your socks off offer, just keep TJ. Indy is the team in need here, not the Bears.

 

get SOMETHING for Jones - and get another back up RB -- who will come CHEAPER and you can use the monies saved to better your team in other positions... its FOOLISH to keep both of them

[listen2me 23 1,542]

get SOMETHING for Jones - and get another back up RB -- who will come CHEAPER and you can use the monies saved to better your team in other positions... its FOOLISH to keep both of them

 

 

It is follish....but if Benson turns out like Enis or something they would kick themselves in the a$$...They know very liitle about Benson at the point...

[jocstrap 8]

It always worries me when any player holds out too long. Injuries, lack of team chemistry, and possibly losing that starting position all come in to play. How does Drew manage to talk his agents into holdout so often . This could become bitter.

[Portis26 0]

It is follish....but if Benson turns out like Enis or something they would kick themselves in the a$$...They know very liitle about Benson at the point...

 

They are paying Benson a SH*T aload of money --- so they need to play him. Your 110% WRONG to say they know very little bout him. They invested TONS of money into this guy, after HOURS and HOURS of research, which made him the 4th overall pick -- PLAY THE GUY!!!

[LunaTick 29]

Wonderful, he signed on with that headache DR

 

Best thing a fan can do to about Rosenhaus is to do the following:

 

1. protest about him at training camp and games.

2. do not buy any jersey or stuff of the people he represents

3. turn off epsn, etc whenever he appears. Do not watch it and he won't be on again.

4. write the Nikes letters against him and the characters he represents.

 

last, if to forget him and move on with your life.

Heck, this may be a better number 1

[Walter34 3]

get SOMETHING for Jones - and get another back up RB -- who will come CHEAPER and you can use the monies saved to better your team in other positions... its FOOLISH to keep both of them

 

Jones has another two years left at 2.5 per. We would not get anything close to his value cheaper. Peterson is a decent backup as well, but I wouldnt be comfortable going with Benson / Peterson without getting more than just "something" in return for TJ.

 

The money saved in dealing Jones is very minimal. With him, we can absorb an injury if one happens and not lose the critical run game that the Bears need.

 

 

 

They are paying Benson a SH*T aload of money --- so they need to play him. Your 110% WRONG to say they know very little bout him. They invested TONS of money into this guy, after HOURS and HOURS of research, which made him the 4th overall pick -- PLAY THE GUY!!!

 

They dont NEED to play anyone based on their paycheque. What if he gets hurt? What if he is a bust like other high picks have been? If they trade TJ and benson gets hurt, they are screwed. This team is close to contending and the O relies heavily on RBs that can carry 30 times.

[listen2me 23 1,542]

They are paying Benson a SH*T aload of money --- so they need to play him. Your 110% WRONG to say they know very little bout him. They invested TONS of money into this guy, after HOURS and HOURS of research, which made him the 4th overall pick -- PLAY THE GUY!!!

 

Play the guy?......you play the best guy!....wow great from a college view they can look back at tapes and what they saw back then that made him a good COLLEGE player......but how do they know anything about his NFL ability?.....the man hasn't barley been able to get on the field!!!....so what exactly do they know about him????

 

If teams played whoever they have invested the most money on .....these teams would be losing a lot of games due to the players who can play being on the bench!

 

You are the one who is wrong....can believe it since you are a fan of a team where the BIG money you invest in players is what your team feels is the only way to get it done...

 

I agree they need to give both a shot this offseason and see if Benson is a guy who can move an already good team forward...but since they do not know IF he can do that yet then this isnt the time to pull the trigger on getting rid of Jones....does that make sense?

[Datathief 0]

I'm not sure what Jones's salary is over the next couple of years. I know he signed a nice contract when he first came to Chicago but a lot of that was likely in bonuses.

 

If his salary isnt steep, Chicago should definately keep him. He'd make a great third down back and change of pace for Benson even after Benson wins the starting job. Not to mention a running team really does need a quality backup. A third round pick shouldnt warrent tradeing Jones. Only the need to trim their salary cap. I doubt his base salary is all that steep. I dont think Jones is going anywhere.

[Walter34 3]

I'm not sure what Jones's salary is over the next couple of years. I know he signed a nice contract when he first came to Chicago but a lot of that was likely in bonuses.

 

If his salary isnt steep, Chicago should definately keep him. He'd make a great third down back and change of pace for Benson even after Benson wins the starting job. Not to mention a running team really does need a quality backup. A third round pick shouldnt warrent tradeing Jones. Only the need to trim their salary cap. I doubt his base salary is all that steep. I dont think Jones is going anywhere.

 

As stated, he has completed the 2nd year of a 4 year, 10 million contract. He is a bargain at his current rate.

[Portis26 0]

You are the one who is wrong....can believe it since you are a fan of a team where the BIG money you invest in players is what your team feels is the only way to get it done...

 

 

We sat Arrington ..because he couldn't play within the system; and now we got hsoemthign back from Arrington in the tune of 10 Million dollars back... which we used to improve our team.

[Walter34 3]

We sat Arrington ..because he couldn't play within the system; and now we got hsoemthign back from Arrington in the tune of 10 Million dollars back... which we used to improve our team.

 

If TJ was making 10 million I would agree with you. We couldnt have 2 backs making a ton of cash and not be hurt elsewhere.

 

However, he has a cheap deal and is a great bargain. Its better to keep him than some gamble of a 3rd round pick.

[swamp dog 0]

If TJ was making 10 million I would agree with you. We couldnt have 2 backs making a ton of cash and not be hurt elsewhere.

 

However, he has a cheap deal and is a great bargain. Its better to keep him than some gamble of a 3rd round pick.

 

true, but he's hired rosenhaus and stopped attending camp. doesn't sound like he's going to want to do the team thing and hang out cheaply at halas hall the next couple of years.

[Walter34 3]

true, but he's hired rosenhaus and stopped attending camp. doesn't sound like he's going to want to do the team thing and hang out cheaply at halas hall the next couple of years.

 

we'll see how it plays out.

[swamp dog 0]

we'll see how it plays out.

 

yes--but what about this isn't alarming to you? jones firing his agent and hiring rosenhaus? jones skipping camp? the indicators seem to suggest that jones isn't going to simply let chicago hang onto him at the bargain price they got him at right now and say "oh, well: i'm under contract fair and square--guess i'll shutup, suitup, and make the best of it."

 

and if that be the case, i wonder if the bear fans that were on walker's side last year and this year will now agree with jones and his wanting to "get his"? that will be a very interesting, and quite possibly, entertaining thing to watch unfold

 

you don't fire your agent, hire rosenhaus (the second key bear player to do that recently, btw), and skip camp if you're of the above mindset.

 

so if, hypothetically, the bears trade jones for a 3rd-rounder...does that mean they essentially traded thomas jones for a nickel back (re: manning jr.)?

[Walter34 3]

I wouldnt blame him. I hope it doesnt come to that, but he needs to look out for #1.

 

If it does get ugly, and we dont know it will yet, then they should make the move this off season. That, or see if a couple million more will help ease the situation.

[Walter34 3]

From the Suntimes:

 

A possible schism in the Bears organization about the future of the running-back position was discovered Friday at the team's annual pre-draft media pow-wow.

 

Coach Lovie Smith reacted adamantly against the idea Thomas Jones could be traded, but general manager Jerry Angelo did not deny an ESPN Internet report that has linked the veteran running back to the Indianapolis Colts, who are still working to replace Edgerrin James in their high-powered offense.

 

Complicating the matter is that Jones fired agent Tom Condon and signed on with Drew Rosenhaus in the last week, and has stopped reporting for the voluntary offseason program at Halas Hall.

 

A source in Indianapolis said the best package the Bears could get would start with a third-round pick in the draft, the 94th overall selection at the end of the day next Saturday, which would seem to be a small payment for the franchise's first 1,300-yard rusher since Walter Payton.

 

''We have not initiated any contact,'' Angelo said. ''If you hear someone say they have talked to me, it's because they have my number.''

 

If the Bears were to deal Jones, who gained 1,335 yards and scored nine touchdowns as the team's only consistent offensive performer last season, it would clear the way for Cedric Benson, the No. 4 pick in the draft a year ago.

 

That's not how Smith wants it to go.

 

''When I first got out of school, I used to teach history,'' he said. ''History teaches you an awful lot. The history is with Kansas City. I got a chance to see exactly what Kansas City did having a Pro Bowl running back [Priest Holmes] and a first-round draft choice [Larry Johnson]. They both played, they both were on the team and it worked itself out.

 

''Thomas Jones, 1,300 yards, team leader, he's our starting tailback. We have a good, young player with a lot of potential. Cedric Benson is with the football team for the first time from the start. We're going to let guys play. We needed all three running backs this past year. Thomas had a great year, he was injured, Cedric got a chance to play and Adrian [Peterson] played. We needed all of them. We're saying we're going to need three running backs to have a successful season.''

 

The Bears insist they are a running team that needs at least two backs to make that commitment. The steadfast belief is Benson is ready for bigger things after gaining 272 yards in a rookie season shortened by a contract holdout and bad knee sprain. Offensive coordinator Ron Turner would not talk about recent developments, but called Jones ''a hell of a player.'' He also acknowledged Peterson is not viewed as a potential workhorse.

 

If the Bears were to deal Jones, they'd be trading from their one position of strength and depth on offense, and would be doing so without knowing what was coming in return. The club is poised to lose its third-round pick, 88th overall, after signing restricted free-agent cornerback Ricky Manning Jr. to an offer sheet Friday. But even a third- and fourth-round pick for Jones would not provide any sure things, and the running back corps Smith covets would lose its starter.

 

''If there is a trade that will improve Thomas' situation, that would certainly be appealing,'' Rosenhaus said. ''Thomas hasn't missed any time with the Bears that is mandatory. There are a lot of players around the league that choose to work out on their own or spend time with their family or do other things. It doesn't necessarily mean you should read into it anymore than that.

 

''The bottom line here is obviously there are discussions about a potential trade. We are receptive to it.''

 

That doesn't mean the coaching staff also is receptive.

[Captian America 0]

They are paying Benson a SH*T aload of money --- so they need to play him. Your 110% WRONG to say they know very little bout him. They invested TONS of money into this guy, after HOURS and HOURS of research, which made him the 4th overall pick -- PLAY THE GUY!!!

 

Once again people listen to me just because they give a player alot of money doesn't make him a starter.

The owner gives the money, the coach realizes his job is to win if he wants to keep his job, therefore the coach will play the best player regardless of what they are getting paid. Two quick examples Ron Dayne

Heisman Trophy Winner, broke Ricky Williams all time college rushing record with 6,397 yards drafted 11th in the 2000 NFL Draft, signed for 7.6 million started 4 games and ended up watching a little guy by the name of Tiki Barber from the bench. Last year all I ever heard is they are not going to pay Duce Staley all that money to sit on the bench and let Willie Parker start, well we all know how that ended up Parker was the starter and went on to set a Superbowl Record. So quit looking at the players from an owner's perspective and start looking at the players from a coach's perspective because his job is on the line and if he can advance his team into the playoffs by playing the best players, the team will bring in more revenue with the home games. So would you rather as an owner see over 12 million dollars come in for a home playoff game

( based on 60,000 $200.00 tickets ) or would you rather see some guy you paid 8 million to play and no playoffs. Clearly as you can see playing the best player benefits the owner, the coach and the fans so everybody wins. So in perspective forget the money issue and look at the player and last year Thomas Jones was a top 10 running back without much of a passing game. He would be great for the Colts and if I was the Colt's owner I would trade for him.

[Datathief 0]

yes--but what about this isn't alarming to you? jones firing his agent and hiring rosenhaus? jones skipping camp? the indicators seem to suggest that jones isn't going to simply let chicago hang onto him at the bargain price they got him at right now and say "oh, well: i'm under contract fair and square--guess i'll shutup, suitup, and make the best of it."

 

and if that be the case, i wonder if the bear fans that were on walker's side last year and this year will now agree with jones and his wanting to "get his"? that will be a very interesting, and quite possibly, entertaining thing to watch unfold

 

you don't fire your agent, hire rosenhaus (the second key bear player to do that recently, btw), and skip camp if you're of the above mindset.

 

so if, hypothetically, the bears trade jones for a 3rd-rounder...does that mean they essentially traded thomas jones for a nickel back (re: manning jr.)?

 

I dont much reason for the Bears to cave into Jones's demands unless they think he deserves more money and are willing to pay it. Jones can hold out, Benson can start, and the Bears are fine until Benson is hurt. Considering Jones has a couple more years on his contract, they can do this for two years. Jones isnt all that young and missing a year and a half of salary will hurt him financially. Maybe the Bears would be nice and trade him for a third round pick but its not a lot of compensation to really encourage them to do so. Even if Jones only plays the mandatory 6 games for the next two years, he's still worth at least a 3rd round pick as a player. I only see them trading him in order to reward him for behaving and playing well or if they get enough in return. This is so simuliar to the Henry/McGahee situation. Henry couldnt force the issue and neither can Jones. Henry had to go to the bench in Tennessee instead of starting for Arizona or Minnesota. I could see the same thing happening to Jones.

[Let Da Big Dog Eat 37]

Think the ponies should offer a 2nd for TJ (it's a late 2nd). That's a trade that would make sense for both parties. TJ is likely worth more but a better offer is not forthcoming.

[swamp dog 0]

I dont much reason for the Bears to cave into Jones's demands unless they think he deserves more money and are willing to pay it. Jones can hold out, Benson can start, and the Bears are fine until Benson is hurt. Considering Jones has a couple more years on his contract, they can do this for two years. Jones isnt all that young and missing a year and a half of salary will hurt him financially. Maybe the Bears would be nice and trade him for a third round pick but its not a lot of compensation to really encourage them to do so. Even if Jones only plays the mandatory 6 games for the next two years, he's still worth at least a 3rd round pick as a player. I only see them trading him in order to reward him for behaving and playing well or if they get enough in return. This is so simuliar to the Henry/McGahee situation. Henry couldnt force the issue and neither can Jones. Henry had to go to the bench in Tennessee instead of starting for Arizona or Minnesota. I could see the same thing happening to Jones.

 

look at it from jones perspective: he's been "the" guy for the bears, mr. stalwart...then the bears draft benson and pay benson a boatload of money more than jones (pretty sure, though i don't have the contracts in front of me at the moment)...and then jones still out-performs benson and is still "the" guy.

 

how do you think YOU would react in that situation? if we're all honest, each of us would be pissed and looking to hire rosenhaus and either get a renegotiated contract or force a trade.

[Captian America 0]

Think the ponies should offer a 2nd for TJ (it's a late 2nd). That's a trade that would make sense for both parties. TJ is likely worth more but a better offer is not forthcoming.

 

I agree.

[SoloMatisse 0]

On the comparison of the two other RB situations....

 

On Duce Staley...the guy was hurt and couldnt possibly have played when the season started and FWP actually earned the job. Therefore he won it by default. If Staley had been healthy and available you better believe he would have been playing.

 

On Ron Dayne...the guy was a big worthless tub for the Giants and who knew the GMen were sitting on a gold mine with Tiki Barber besides Jim Fassel? He missed leading the league in rushing this past season by a few dozen yards and is without a doubt one of the top 5 backs in the league. With all due respect to TJones, Im not willing to compare his skills to Tiki Barber. Hes a solid back, but there's a line that seperates guys like Barber from Jones....albeit a fine line.

 

My point is that neither Dayne nor Staley were capable of overtaking the incumbent starter based on lack of either availability or ability even though they were being paid pretty well by their respective clubs. Not #4 overall money, but pretty decent change. Now, the highly paid Benson will be be both available and able. He'll get his shot, and we'll go from there. TJones is caught between a rock and a hard place, but he's capable of putting in the work and keeping his job. Im not sure how or why the change in agent fits into his plans, but he may have reasons that none of us are aware of. I doubt the Indy trade goes down, but its still extremely early in the offseason so anything can happen. It may be that the Colts arent overly impressed with the RB class and/or are a little let down by the White situation. His status may have a trickle down affect on the other teams looking at RB, and it may just be that the Colts anticipate it will be White and not Maroney or Williams, or possibly none of the above that will be there for them. They also realize that wihout Edge at RB, theyll need the kind of depth at RB that Lovie Smith obviously covets. Either way, we'll see how it shakes down in a week or so.

[Captian America 0]

Staley was hurt and everybody said he would start when healthy ( Wrong ). Since I am a Steeler fan since the late 50's, I and acouple of other people ( Tiki Barber's Barber for one ) said Parker is the man at Pittsburgh. What Dayne is or was doesn't matter the point is that they paid him 7.6 million dollars when they signed him and he was put on the bench. So forget what players are paid that doesn't make them a starter.

To many of you people think just because they draft a player and pay him big bucks he automatic gets to start. As far as money goes Tampa paid Keyshawn not to play and the Eagles had to give TO money not to play so money isn't that big of a factor these players are professionals and the best player almost always starts except for Schaub and Atlanta is paying the price for this.

[luckdogg17 0]

i think the aspect of this situation that some are overlooking is the contract status of tj. i'm sure the way he sees it is he is their best rb, is out there getting beat up and is busting his butt for a measley 2.5 million. and he sees benson sitting on the bench behind him getting paid like 8 million or something. can you say 're-negotiate'? i think drew rosenhaus can.

 

that being said, i don't know how much leverage tj has because if he holds out; they still have benson and peterson (whom i've heard looks pretty good too). he might be demanding a new contract or a trade. i'm sure a trade would require a new contract from his new team. and we saw last year that teams couldn't get much for guy's like edge and alexander in a trade because of the money it would take to sign them so it seems like you can't expect to get much back for trading a high priced rb.

 

i don't know if there is a good solution to this problem. tj had a career year and this will probably be his best chance to cash in. or atleast it would have been if not for benson waiting in the wings.

 

one of the biggest problems i see with the nfl is the ridiculous amounts of money that the top draft picks get when they've never played a down in the nfl and many of them take several YEARS to develop if ever. they should do something like only be able to pay rookies 2-3 million a year or something for a 2-3 year contract with a lot of performance based incentives. i just don't get why these guy's are automatically getting paid like star players.

[DaveJ 0]

All this does is point out how stupid TJ is... What has Rosenpuke done for any player recently?? Hmmm he had Walker hold out.. and he didn't get what he was after.. and TO, well everyone knows how THAT worked out. Tj should have avoided him like a bad case of the clap....

 

Tj holding out will do nothing for him in Chicago, they will simply say okay... good-bye or welcome to the bench.

 

Problem for TJ is that Chicago doesn't need him at this point, he is a luxury. Benson is going nowhere so he needs to continue to play better than him in order to stay on the field or end up being behind him... good thing for Chicago however, is that they don't have to keep him as they have capable backups already in place.

 

I think this is the start of TJ pulling a lower profile TO. He wants to be the guy, but he won't be in Chicago.

[CurleyQ 0]

Listening to Hub Arkush on the Score Saturday afternoon. He made some good points. I think he said TJ was a free agent after next year. With Benson sharing some time, no way he wants to stay in Chicago in that situation. Rumor is that he is setting himself up to get a big contract with Drew R. and Angelo may want to get something now for him.

 

Given the trade value of players in the NFL and the remarkable value teams place on draft choices, no way the Bears get better than maybe a 3rd and a 4th. Hub made the point of what the Vikes got for Culpepper (2nd Rd pick). No way Indy gives up Dallas Clark. He did like the idea of the Colts giving up Stolely and a 3rd or 4th for Jones, since Stkely would easily be the 2nd best WR on the Bears.

 

Whether you like Hub or no, he does know football and seems to understand the relative value of players in todays NFL. Hub was not advocating trading Jones, just trying to make the callers realistic in their thoughts and to talk some of them off the Bear's window ledge.

[nobody 2,043]

They dont NEED to play anyone based on their paycheque. What if he gets hurt? What if he is a bust like other high picks have been? If they trade TJ and benson gets hurt, they are screwed. This team is close to contending and the O relies heavily on RBs that can carry 30 times.

 

 

If he gets hurt, you just make him play anyway. They are paying him big bucks.