Steelers Should Take A Chance on WR Matt Jones
by tobiathan on Jul 20, 2009 12:20 AM EDT
56 comments
WR Matt Jones screwed up. Last summer he was busted in a parked van with cocaine. His punishment was being ordered to a drug rehab program, and subsequently failed an alcohol screening by drinking at a golf tourney. For that he spent a brief time in jail. Jacksonville cut him because of it, despite his being a first-round draft pick and emerging as a very good receiver with great hands and excellent 4.4-40 yard dash speed. At 6'6" with long arms and big hands he presents an outstanding target for any QB.
Since his brush with the law (the first and only of his life) he has taken a mature and responsible stance on his behavior and accepted responsibility for his actions. He continues to train hard and has all the right things to say about his career and his own future in an interview posted recently on the PFW site. Although the site's publisher, Hub Arkush, made the mistake of incorrectly doubting James Harrison's honesty before the SuperBowl his site still provides valuable and interesting insight into the events occurring around the NFL and it's players. The following article shows that Jones is contrite over his failures and ready to start again from the bottom to prove his worth as a player and WR:
http://www.profootballweekly.com/2009/07/19/jonesing-for-redemption
Jones' statistics are solid and show steady improvement. Since he was a QB throughout his college career his transition to wideout hasn't been easy for him. Regardless, his speed, strength and game-intelligence contribute greatly to his ability to get open and to go after passes at the highest point in the air possible, cutting off most defender's ability to interfere with the catch. Again- at six feet six inches tall and long-armed he towers over any CB. And he has world-class speed. His statistics are here:
http://www.nfl.com/players/mattjones/profile?id=JON603496
Yes- the Pittsburgh Steelers are known for having high standards of personal conduct. It isn't characteristic of the Steelers organization to sign players with any character issues. However, the team *has* stood besides it's players in times of trouble, so long as the player took responsibility for himself and dealt with his problems head-on and took proper action to correct those issues. Jones is doing that, and deserves a long look from the reigning NFL Champions.
With the departure of Nate Washington, Hines Ward's age and the obvious lack of experience behind Santonio Holmes Matt Joness appears to offer a great chance to provide both depth and talent to the Steelers' WR corps at an outstandingly low-risk, low-cost price. With little obvious interest from other teams Jones could be a high perfomance addition and a steal in fre-agency. Adding character-clauses to his contract could protect the team from any failures of his character, should any arise. Likely, though, Jones has learned his lesson and genuinely *wants* to contribute. He also offers skills as a returner.
With a carefully-worded contract Jones could be a classic Pittsburgh Steelers reclamation project: a player no one thought would prosper, but who becomes a perennial All-Pro....ala' the beloved Bus and others.
Anyone else see the great potential this player offers?
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No thank you I'm full
Why take a chance on a guy unless you are desperate? And well, we aren’t desperate. Why invest money in a guy who just blew his chance with another team on blow? We have currently 3 recievers battling it out for the number 3 position (3 that have a legitimate chance of taking it unless someone surprises). Why pay buy the same pair of shoes twice when the ones you have now are fine? Their the same size, same color, same brand. You are better off getting a different pair of shoes to expand your collection and match with other outfits. I hope you get the metaphor.
by tannofsteel84 on Jul 20, 2009 12:59 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
We have a 6-4 white guy reciever?
Maybe some same size and brand, but not color.
"Damnit mom! You almost ran over Greg Lloyd!"
at an autograph signing back in 95. He walked out in front of our minivan, and my mom almost hit him. He apologized.
by PA ARMY OFFICER on Jul 20, 2009 10:05 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No way
The Bus was hardly a reclamation project. He was offensive ROY. He just had a so-so year prior to the Steelers getting him. I was actually a huge Matt Jones fan prior to the 2005 draft, but he is a classic combine bust. He had an amazing combination of size and speed, but couldn’t run routes. He had four years in Jacksonville to prove himself prior to this latest conviction, and didn’t even start. Besides, we’re a bit overloaded at receiver as it is. Even without his felony conviction, I wouldn’t want him.
by bleedgoldandblack on Jul 20, 2009 1:34 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
The Rooney's don't play like that.
I remember watching the draft that year, and the Steelers were very interested in him, no way now.
by grapes on Jul 20, 2009 1:56 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rather sign Terrance mathis
Lol, thats cuz i just watched 2k3 wildcard game vs Browns forgot he was even ever a Steeler! lol. anyway i dont think Pepsi head jones fits the mold. I like shawn Mcdonald
Perenial Contenders.Year after year.
by Steelchamps !! on Jul 20, 2009 1:41 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Great idea!!!
Great idea, let’s get Michael Vick too.
by grapes on Jul 20, 2009 1:54 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Oh, I know you were. My response was to the title of this post :)
by Hines Ward on Jul 20, 2009 6:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Matt Jones's hands are worse than Ike Taylor's
by Bonek on Jul 20, 2009 8:05 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
lol
Perenial Contenders.Year after year.
by Steelchamps !! on Jul 20, 2009 3:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No
No no, no, no no no no no, and no.
by syrsteelerfan on Jul 20, 2009 8:17 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Why bother
We have homegrown (pun intended) talent coming through the ranks right now along with a nice “reclamation” project in progress with McDonald. In fact, I’m very excited to see McDonald’s role develop with the Steelers. He’s a veteran with a clean nose. Also very hopeful that the game slows down for Sweed this year. That way, he’ll no longer worry so much about catching the ball once he finds himself in wide open pasture. Add Wallace to the mix as an exciting rookie with potential rounding out our 5 wides and there is simply no room and no reason to take a chance on a guy like Matt Jones.
There is no spoon
by chewiesteeler on Jul 20, 2009 8:32 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Chewie, I git a funny feelin me and you are going to become friends. Excellent post
Perenial Contenders.Year after year.
by Steelchamps !! on Jul 20, 2009 3:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Probably not...
I’ve said maybe in the past, but at this point, I’d pass too. One minor problem…
Since his brush with the law (the first and only of his life)
He got busted two seasons ago too. This last time was his second. I’m all for second chances, but thirds aren’t as easy.
by NYSteelersFan4 on Jul 20, 2009 9:27 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
throw you a bone.
I’d go for it. I think due to aging of the steeler’s defense, the player’s agreement stalemate, and unpredictability in the NFL, Steeler’s FO has to realize this coming year is the best shot they may have for back to back SBs – it just doesn’t happen often. Making the Steelers once again the team of the decade. Jones has real talent and I agree, think we need help at WR. Love UT and Sweed to death but have doubts about his ability – UT was loaded when he played there, how many times have we seen college players appear better than reality being part of a system/team. McD is a journeyman from Detroit, HInes is a god but he’s gettin older and coming off an injury, and I’ll probably take a lot of crap for this but I’m not a big Holmes fan – don’t think he’ll stick around anyway when his contract is up.
Over? Did you say "over"? Nothing is over until we decide it is! Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor? Hell no!
by TXcheesesteak on Jul 20, 2009 9:44 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I agree that Holmes will bounce when his time is up
And like so many others will not have the same level of success on another team. I think Ben makes Holmes look good. They play well together due to the fact that they both work hard on keeping the play going. If you look at many of the big plays Holmes had last year they were after the play broke down and they went to a backlot free-for-all and improvised.
Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile - Albert Einstein.
by fanofsteel on Jul 20, 2009 11:31 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
holmes contract
I dont feel hes gonna bounce, would suck if he did. have i mentioned terrance mathis to anyone? jk joke
Perenial Contenders.Year after year.
by Steelchamps !! on Jul 20, 2009 3:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I doubt you will take any crap
That seems to be an opinion that is held around BTSC. I am sure he will want more money than he is worth/we are willing to offer and he will bounce. Unfortunate, but WRs are not hard to replace.
by Johnny_S on Jul 20, 2009 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Exactly
Investing the farm on a WR is foolish. Ward may be a rare exception, but only because he does MORE than just be a WR. Hes a WR/FB/LB/Jesus. And yet even we dont throw the whole farm at the guy.
Look at any team that anchored themselves on a WR, like Detroit drafting so many and paying them so much, two of those are gone now. Any team thats invested in TO went nowhere with him, same with Randell Moss, Javon Walker, etc…
You just simply hope your WR realizes his best career will be had here, or he can leave. And you’ll find another.
by Mechem on Jul 20, 2009 1:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Great thoughts
And its most difficult to get through to a WR and tell him his best career move would be to stay put when they are young. I think that compounds Holmes situation is that he has a ring now. He may care less that his best option to win a ring is staying in Pitt, because he already has one and may just want the Bejamins.
I agree on Hines, and that is why he is so loved in Pittsburgh. He does everything, and he does it with a smile and no complaints, and generally stays out of the limelight (unless Big Baby Suggs cries about him).
by Johnny_S on Jul 20, 2009 2:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Might as well grab Plaxico too!
"Damnit mom! You almost ran over Greg Lloyd!"
at an autograph signing back in 95. He walked out in front of our minivan, and my mom almost hit him. He apologized.
by PA ARMY OFFICER on Jul 20, 2009 10:06 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
hardly a compelling talent.
Just checked his stats. 65 catches for 761 yards. only 2 TD. Doesn’t sound like world class speed to me….
If he were better OR clean I could see the arguement. You always consider ways to improve the team regardless of how many guys are under development.
Besides, this would be a great way to piss off Hines before training camp.
by Steely McSmash on Jul 20, 2009 12:54 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
although i agree matt jones has a lot of potential...
…i will have to respectfully disagree we should sign him. my take would completely have to be due to character issues. the only way a team that usually tries to distance itself from character issues would be willing to sign a player with issues is one of 2 reasons. 1) we are in need of a player of his caliber 2) those problems are only in the past now.
1) we arent in a desperate need of him. we will probably only take 5 wr’s on the roster & 4 of those spots are pretty much guaranteed to players. there is no way the steelers will cut ward or holmes. sweed (2008 2nd rd pick) and wallace (3rd rd pick this year) will be given roster spots to let them develop and give the investment of the high draft pick a chance to pay dividends. not to mention that’ll be the only way to keep them because other teams would sign them from our practice squad. there is only one spot available. and mcdonald will probably take the last. i think he’ll be the #3 WR and be replaced by sweed part way through the season. yes, jones would probably take that spot from mcdonald if signed, but if he brings distractions into the locker room the damage will already be done even if he’s cut right afterwards. not to mention, if he’s cut or suspended we will be without mcdonald or jones. thats a far worse situation to be in than having the upgrade of jones over mcdonald.
2) i think he has a serious problem. his first run-in, he was too oblivious doing a pretty addictive narcotic in his CAR to notice a police man walk up on him. he was given a lenient sentence with the stipulation that he undergo random drug testing for a while (including for alcohol). but he couldnt even say no to alcohol (and it was probably a lot more than 1 beer he had) even though he knew it may mean time in jail, being fired from his team, and possibly a lengthy suspension by the nfl. so id recommend the steelers not signing him until he’s proven that he’s over his addictions. because if we do and he does make the team, we’d be without a good wr (suspended or cut) if he were to have problems again.
by t1mmy10 on Jul 20, 2009 1:19 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Aren't the Bengals taking him?
I understand that they are far below their quota of felony charges for this year.
Seriously, unless the guy puts on 100 LBs and shows any ability to play right tackle, what possible reason would you have for taking him.
by SteelerBuddha on Jul 20, 2009 1:40 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Don't see that happening
while the Steelers do stand behind their players on some issues, I can’t remember a player they brought in with a lot of baggage. He has a lot of talent, but I think even if the Steelers brought him in he wouldn’t help us out a lot
by WPIALkid22 on Jul 20, 2009 1:48 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Hell No
We let go of guys with repeated problems or character issues, not bring them aboard. Firstly, we dont need him. Secondly he was never THAT great. Thirdaly, the dude’s been busted with coke how many times now?
Hes very lucky he hasnt been suspended, how I dont know. Gives the “goodell hates black people” crowd a real angle to use, that even I have to say it appears the white guy got special treatment.
by Mechem on Jul 20, 2009 1:50 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
By the way...
Mike Vick’s sentence is officially over now too. He can lobby for his return with the NFL. Throwing that one out there…
by NYSteelersFan4 on Jul 20, 2009 2:04 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
You get the feeling ...
that his (Vick’s) agent/PR guy won’t even bother to pick up the phone and call the Steelers?
There is no spoon
by chewiesteeler on Jul 20, 2009 4:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I feel the opposite...
I actually think there’s an outside chance he becomes a Steeler. I talked about it in a post, an idea qiuckly shot down (and understandably so) by our little part of Steeler Nation.
by NYSteelersFan4 on Jul 20, 2009 5:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No way NY
And I looked for a link to that post but could not find one. Would be curious to read your perspective. I read one of your other posts concerning character issues. I think with M. Vick it goes quite a bit deeper than that mild, youthful infractions. He has, admitedly now, been involved in dog fighting since he was 8. He repeatedly lied in the faces of the owner of the Falcons and the Commish. He ran a gambling ring. Do you really think there is anyway the Rooney’s would even fart in his general direction? I’m sure that any agent in the NFL knows the answer and wouldn’t waste his/her time. Of course, this flies in the face of one of my own mottos – The answer is always no if you don’t ask.
There is no spoon
by chewiesteeler on Jul 20, 2009 5:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I hear ya...
And that’s what I got from most people. Here’s the cliff notes version of my logic:
I think Vick plays in the UFL this season, first off. Next year Batch is most likely retired. Dennis Dixon is unproven. A veteran QB will be brought in. Dixon being on the roster to me means that Tomlin is not unopposed to having this type of player around. Player… not person. If Vick shows some ability in the UFL, which I think is still up in the air, he’ll have teams interested. I don’t think any team makes him a starter, P.R. reasons alone. The Rooney’s, who don’t normally bring in players with off field problems, may recognize we have the perfect scenario to bring in a guy looking to get a fresh start. We have a strong, veteran locker room, with players who don’t take crap from anyone (This is their team type stuff). We have a franchise QB, so there won’t be pressure to play him (by the fans who just want to win and don’t care what he did) or pressure in Vick to perform (pressure of playing for a losing franchise). The Rooney’s have a history with dog tracks (and yes, I know the difference between racing and fighting/ killing dogs) and like it or not the history of dog treatment in the racing business isn’t too exemplory either. I’m in no way implying any Rooney has mistreated any dog ever. Knowing the Rooney family’s heart and history, I doubt anything like that ever happened (just to cover my back). I only bring this up for one reason, this gives them the perspective to understand (but not agree with) a culture where a dogs life is of low value compared to a humans. Especially a culture where a dogs life is used to make money, lots of money. But also knowing their heart, if they feel a guy has genuine remorce for his actions, believe a guy wants to make a fresh start, have someone they respect in front of them saying they believe Vick is willing to make the changes he says he is willing to make (like Tony Dungy for instance) and believe they as a franchise are strong enough in all facets (locker room, coaches, front office, etc. [Which they are]) I could see a scenario where they take that chance. I’m not completely closing the door is all.
by NYSteelersFan4 on Jul 21, 2009 11:35 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Is this the appropriate time?
To mention LesCharles Bentley is still available?
by Chicago Steeler on Jul 20, 2009 4:20 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
LECHARLES BENTLEY!!!!!
Beat Steelguy99 to it!
by NYSteelersFan4 on Jul 20, 2009 5:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not even the worst idea ever
Although if we wanted to keep injured guys around, we’d still have Kendall Simmons.
by Mechem on Jul 20, 2009 6:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
y not
What about jon jenson .
Perenial Contenders.Year after year.
by Steelchamps !! on Jul 20, 2009 4:23 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
lol
george jetson lol
Perenial Contenders.Year after year.
by Steelchamps !! on Jul 20, 2009 4:23 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I'd rather re-sign Bam Morris right now...
by Mr 412 on Jul 20, 2009 6:12 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
No way
Not for me. Besides i think we have enough talent as it is at WR…and signing Matt Jones will bring us too much distraction at camp with the media being all over it
They love their washed up, drugee sports professionals…
Bleeding Black and Gold.....forever
by Steeler_ on Jul 20, 2009 6:59 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Wow-
Although i should know it by now, the depth and degree of ignorance and inability to comprehend the written word here still astounds me.
I made it clear in my post that i thought Jones would be a great value AT THE VETERAN MINIMUM AND WITH BEHAVIOR CLAUSES IN-CONTRACT. Under those very, very specific circumstances a player like this represents ZERO risk to the organization.
And- it’s effing unbelievable how immature and childishly schoolyard-ish the comments sections get on some topics. Some of you guys didn’t even READ the freaking post, did you? No wonder so few bother writing them at all.
I might love my Steelers, but sometimes i can see why other fans consider SteelerNation a little stupid.
BTW- thank you to you extremely rare few who actually read the post and bothered to respond intelligently and and with logic, instead of joining the mindless herd looking for an easy mark to be cutesy or clever.
Seriously- do some of you people even WATCH football? Or do you just post here to feel cool?
Last time I post anything here. I don’t need MORE idiocy in my life. If some of you would THINK instead of REACT you’d live much more fruitful and rewarding lives…
What a ridiculous waste of time and energy THIS was.
by tobiathan on Jul 20, 2009 8:24 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Biggest overreaction ever? Possibly.
Take 5 deep breaths. Welcome to the internet. If you expect everyone online to read every word you write, respond respectively and seriously, and agree with you, you should just unplug your computer and throw it out the window right now. That’s how the internet works, especially on a blog.
I think most people were right in stating that we do not need Jones. He IS a risk, even with behavioral clauses in his contract. We have tons of depth at WR. Jones is not really super-experienced because he played QB in college, he is still learning just like our rookies will be. He does have speed and height, but so does Sweed. And Sweed does not show any apparent signs of being a risk. Additionally, Wallace is a talented returner, probably better than Jones because he is smaller and more elusive (see all great returners Hester/Hall).
So what does Jones offer us that we do not already have? Nothing worth taking a risk for.
I applaud you for taking a shot at something you believed in, but do not get upset with people because they disagree with you on the internet. That will just lead you to a lot of dismay.
by Johnny_S on Jul 21, 2009 10:58 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Two words, one hyphen...
Matsui walk-off.
Sorry, couldn’t resist. Not the place, but hey.
by NYSteelersFan4 on Jul 21, 2009 11:08 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Haha...
I know, I couldn’t resist. You’ll probably win the series based on my wise assery alone. Karma.
by NYSteelersFan4 on Jul 21, 2009 11:36 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Jeez man, your post invited opposing points of view
It is one thing to get annoyed at silly comments, but after all, this is a web blog, you gotta sort through the crap. But, you seem to be chastising, a bit harshly I might add, quite a number of people here simply for disagreeing with you.
And there is no such thing as zero risk. Maybe when it comes to paper contracts but not when it comes to possible locker room distractions and the like. Why invite that into the house when you don’t have to? Sure, desperate times sometimes call for desperate measures, but, this organization is not desperate. As I pointed out above in one of my ignorant responses, we presently have a full stable of established, rising and/or promising prospects at the position.
I am sure you are right Tobiathan, Jone WILL sign somewhere but, to answer your question: “Anyone else see the great potential this player offers?” I see the great potential he offers to some team, but not our beloved Steelers.
There is no spoon
by chewiesteeler on Jul 21, 2009 10:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
BTW-
I will bet a lot that Jones WILL sign somewhere, AND put up nice numbers without further trouble.
I’m out….eff the haters……
by tobiathan on Jul 20, 2009 8:26 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Man..
Are we really having this discussion bout Vick and Jones? No more grab-assing with silly ideas.
by MSsteele on Jul 20, 2009 8:35 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
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