To Coller's question on the price tag, I admit I'm surprised it was quite this high, but I'm a fan of having a quality veteran like Jones in the backfield with an inexperienced McCarthy. That can only help him. Next, strengthen the IOL in free agency and maybe the draft and pick up a bigger back to pair with Jones. Unlikely that they hit all other needs in free agency and can get a Hampton or a Johnson, but maybe? If not then players like Sanders, Martinez, or Mullings in later rounds? (And I know how silly this is, but it would still be fun if they draft The Mayor JJ Pegues and run him a few times on third and short. Now there's an O'Connell trick play I can get behind. The influence of watching him rush for 2 touchdowns in one college game cannot be overstated.)
Definitely a bit of a raise from his 7m contract last year, which is surprising, but like you said, it’s probably best to have a vet who can block back there with JJ. Heard Andrew Krammer say it is essentially 12m year 1 and 20m if he plays both years. Think they have some pretty decent per game bonuses in there that he wouldn’t get if he doesn’t play, though. Personally, I’d still like to see them take two RBs in this draft. Lot of good ones. Maybe there are so many they can just get one as a UDFA.
To Coller's question on the price tag, I admit I'm surprised it was quite this high, but I'm a fan of having a quality veteran like Jones in the backfield with an inexperienced McCarthy. That can only help him. Next, strengthen the IOL in free agency and maybe the draft and pick up a bigger back to pair with Jones. Unlikely that they hit all other needs in free agency and can get a Hampton or a Johnson, but maybe? If not then players like Sanders, Martinez, or Mullings in later rounds? (And I know how silly this is, but it would still be fun if they draft The Mayor JJ Pegues and run him a few times on third and short. Now there's an O'Connell trick play I can get behind. The influence of watching him rush for 2 touchdowns in one college game cannot be overstated.)
Definitely a bit of a raise from his 7m contract last year, which is surprising, but like you said, it’s probably best to have a vet who can block back there with JJ. Heard Andrew Krammer say it is essentially 12m year 1 and 20m if he plays both years. Think they have some pretty decent per game bonuses in there that he wouldn’t get if he doesn’t play, though. Personally, I’d still like to see them take two RBs in this draft. Lot of good ones. Maybe there are so many they can just get one as a UDFA.
Jones's cap hits: 2025 $4MM, 2026 $12 MM, 2027 $4 MM. Brownie, you're doing a heck of a job.
Jones is a solid player. Maybe he stays healthy and productive, but there is a lot of risk for paying this much.