According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the New York Jets will release RB Thomas Jones before he is due a $3 million roster bonus on March 9th.
Jones, 31, could provide a short-term answer for the Chiefs running back situation. Todd Haley said yesterday, "Yeah, one way or another, we need to get [Jamaal Charles] some help, because you know he's 200 lbs. soaking wet."
Here are a few reasons I think Jones could be intriguing for the Chiefs:
*Durability: Over the last five years, he's had at least 290 carries and at least 1,100 yards.
*Still has it: He had a career high 1,402 rushing yards last season.
*Above the LJ-line: He's averaged at least 4.0 yards per carry in six of the last seven year.
Jets beat writer Rich Cimini of the NY Daily News strongly believes the Jets brass should hang onto him.
They should've kept him. I'm willing to bet there's another 1,000-yard season left in Jones' legs, and the Jets better hope he doesn't land on a team they play in 2010. (The Patriots, anyone?)
On the most important running play of the 2009 season -- fourth-and-1 in the San Diego divisional playoff game -- who did Rex Ryan want to have the ball? Jones. Despite all the [Shonn] Greene fireworks, the coach wanted Jones.
Jones is better, in my opinion, than many of the veteran backs out on the market including LaDainian Tomlinson, Jamal Lewis and Brian Westbrook.
With Haley being adamant that the Chiefs need some backfield help for Charles, I suspect they'll take a look at Jones, who should be one of the better backs available via free agency.
Who knows, maybe he can bring Tony Richardson back with him.