Where Will Matt Jones End Up?
We all know Matt Jones has a dark side, a fact that the media and the Jacksonville Jaguars have made very apparent in the past year.
But don't you think we're coming down a bit hard on the guy?
Let's take an honest look at him. He's been in Jack Del Rio's doghouse for almost his entire career, has never been in a receiver-friendly system, has had no stud receivers to help him out, and David Garrard is the highest profile quarterback to ever throw him a pass (don't you dare say Byron Leftwich).
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The point is, the guy is 6'6'' with 4.3 speed, and he's out of a job for something Bengals receiver Chris Henry probably does all the time. Whether it's the cocaine or drinking remains to be determined.
Regardless of your take on Jones' current character status, or even his future in the league, his talent and potential are still intriguing to even the most cautious of fans.
And you better believe that general managers feel the same.
Here's a look at each team in the league, their receiver needs, and the chances of them risking their season on a guy like Matt Jones.
AFC
They appear to be set at receiver with Randy Moss and Wes Welker, and they just signed Joey Galloway, but can we really count them out? I mean, they've actually been in talks with former Lions receiver Mike Furrey, for goodness sake. Jones landing in New England is more possible than you'd think.
If teams were awarded points for logical decisions, Rex Ryan would be all over this, and the Jets would be ahead of the curve. Clearly quarterback is their biggest need, but considering Chansi Stuckney, David Clowney, and Brad Smith is the competition for the number two spot, bringing Matt Jones in might be a necessity.
Despite only having Greg Camarillo on the other side of the still-improving Ted Ginn Jr., Miami seems to be more than content to ride it out with the guys they've got. Davone Bess is their third receiver, and he's not half bad. Jones won't be a Dolphin.
One high-risk receiver per year is enough.
They aren't the type of team willing to take chances on guys with track records, at least not at receiver. They seem pretty excited about the growth of Santonio Holmes, and are waiting for Limas Sweed to break-out.
Baltimore, as well as sophomore passer Joe Flacco, desperately need a guy to stretch the field. Derrick Mason is getting older, and while Mark Clayton is flashy in spurts, they could really use the length and speed of a receiver with the potential that Jones has. It's a slight possibility.
Cincinnati Bengals
They unloaded a receiver, got a new one, and now they're standing pat on Chad Johnson. Even if they made an offer, would Jones dare risk his future on a team with such sketchy history at the position? I doubt it.
Whether they like it or not, Cleveland is more in the market for a quality receiver than probably any team, other than Jones' former team, Jacksonville. The Browns lost veteran Joe Jurevicius, probably will lose Dante Stallworth, and are tempted with unloading "Mr. Drops" Braylon Edwards.
The fact that they're relying on Steve Heiden as their top tight end right now doesn't help matters, either. This is a definite possibility for Jones.
He'd bring a whole new dimension to their pass attack, but if they're letting a legend like Marvin Harrison walk, something tells me they like what they have. They'll add talent through the draft, but signing Jones is probably the last thing they'd do.
Being a team on the brink of the playoffs, adding a third solid receiver wouldn't be a bad idea, but Andre Johnson and Kevin Walter appear to be getting the job done, and then some.
Matt Schaub staying healthy is their main issue, not adding a receiver that could mess up their chemistry.
Does Jeff Fischer want a veteran stop-gap like Torry Holt, or a guy he could potentially build his pass-attack around? Even if the Titans do sign Holt, there's still a chance signing Jones happens.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Have you read the papers?
Unless they think he can play quarterback at the NFL level, signing him doesn't make a ton of sense.
Their receiving corps is a bunch of solid receivers, much like Jones, who have yet to reach their full potential. It wouldn't be a bad move.
If it hasn't happened yet, it means Al Davis doesn't want it to. He has the money, so if it were going to happen, it would have by now.
Mark Bradley was fairly healthy and played well in spurts last season, but banking solely on him and Dwayne Bowe is a bit unrealistic. Jones would be a fine addition for that wildcat offense.
NFC
They unloaded Plaxico Burress and are in talks over Braylon Edwards. They could sign a taller and faster version of Edwards in Jones, and watch less balls being dropped.
However, they just released a guy that's been in the media. They don't want a replacement for that.
Would you put it past Dan Snyder? Neither would I. But then again, if he wanted to take a risk on a troubled receiver, he probably would have pulled the trigger on Terrell Owens.
There's a rumor surfacing that Jerry Jones and Matt Jones both being Arkansas alum could make this happen. It's a strong possibility. Owens is gone, and even Roy Williams isn't clearly proven right now. Jones would be a solid investment.
Philly' fans have complained about the Eagles not trading for a Braylon Edwards, Anquan Boldin, or Chad Johnson for years. Would signing Matt Jones even remotely appease them? Actually, it'd probably anger them.
They have Bernard Berrian, and that's pretty much it.
I still don't think Tarvaris Jackson has what it takes, but not doing everything in their power to surround him with talent sure doesn't help him. Jones would be a huge addition to this offense starving for the big play (outside of Berrian, of course).
They have four receivers that could be a 1 or a 2 on most teams, so there just isn't a need.
I think Devin Hester will come around, especially with Jay Cutler in town, but they really need to keep moving in the right direction when it comes to their offense.
They need a guy like Matt Jones.
Detroit Lions
They have virtually nothing outside of Calvin Johnson and Kevin Smith offensively, so landing Jones would be a strong addition.
Their new regime, though, seems centered around good character and smart football moves. This would arguably be a contradiction for both.
We know what Steve Smith can do, but it's time to stop trying to squeeze talent out of Dwayne Jarrett. Muhsin Muhammad is near the end, too, so grabbing a young guy to grow in the offense would be smart.
Knowing Jon Fox, though, it won't happen.
I'm sure he'd fit in their system, but they have enough decent receivers. They don't need to risk messing up their offensive chemistry. They'll stand pat.
They let Joey Galloway walk, and outside of Antonio Bryant, there isn't much talent to keep opposing corners on their toes.
The other thing is their quarterback situation. Whether they ride the young gun, Luke McCown, or the veteran, Brian Griese, having a tall target would be only a good thing.
They just traded Laurent Robinson to the Rams, so they appear to have a wealth of talent at the position. They're set.
St. Louis Rams
As I just mentioned, they just pulled off a trade for Robinson. They did lose Torry Holt, though, so this wouldn't be an impossible landing spot. However, it's more likely they improve the position from the draft.
They are another one of those few teams with three guys that could potentially be a number one receiver. Unless they trade Boldin, this wouldn't happen.
Seattle has a ton of average receivers, so Jones would either fall into the middle somewhere, or make them all look like Arena-Leaguers. Will Jim Mora take a big risk in his first season as head coach? It's unlikely.
Hey, if Matt Jones is a "winner", then why woudn't Mike Singletary want him? Heck, why wouldn't any of these teams want him? They need a receiver, and he needs an employer. Until they publicly say no, this remains a very possibly landing spot.
The truth is, Jones is immensely talented, and deserves to be a starter in this league. He messed up, true, but considering the many chances other high profile players have received, he deserves the same forgiveness. That goes for potential employers, as well as the NFL fans.
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