Could the Chicago Bears Add Matt Jones to Their WR Corps?
Published by David Allen on July 18, 2009
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears
Much complaining has been done about our WR options but the only real weakness I see is the lack a player of real height amongst the guys. Of those likely to make the roster the tallest is Iglesias who tops out at 6’1″.
We’ve been mentioned with the likes of Plaxico Burress or Brandon Marshall but another option which doesn’t seem to have been considered is Matt Jones, formerly of the Jaguars.
All three have had their run ins with the law, but reading more about Jones, is it a case of “bad boy” or “bad judgement?”
Marshall seems to think its ok to beat on his girlfriend/wife when the mood takes him while bitching about his contract, while Burress has a tendency to shoot himself in the foot, literally.
As for Jones, there is the drugs issue. He was arrested in a car which contained cocaine and marijuana residue, but like the Marshawn Lynch incident, it was never claimed nor proved that ownership of such items was him. He did not acquire a criminal record as a result but did a drugs rehabilitation course instead.
He was then arrested and jailed for failing a drugs test. What he was actually jailed for was failing an alcohol test, as part of his agreement with prosecutors was to abstain from alcohol.
He wasn’t drunk, he’d had a few beers whilst playing golf with friends. And he CHOSE to spend a week in jail, as the alternative was a six weeks rehab programme which would have meant he missed spring training camp if signed by anyone.
Prior to his four game suspension last year, he was on course for his best ever season and would have gotten close to 80 receptions/1,000 yds, finishing instead with 65 recs/761 yds. At 6’6″, 220 lbs and with a 40 time of around 4.40, he would be far cheaper to acquire than Marshall, and provide an intriguing option.
What do the Bears have to lose by adding him to the mix?
