The Eagles signed safety Sean Jones (formerly of the Browns) to a one-year, $3 million contract. Jones will compete with Quentin Demps for the starting free safety job, which became available when Brain Dawkins signed with the Broncos last week.
I’m a little surprised that all Jones got on the open market was a one-year deal. I’m also surprised that the Browns didn’t make more of an effort to re-sign Jones, who has Pro Bowl talent but injuries plagued him all last season.
Did the Browns realize Jones was damaged goods and let him walk or was this just another player Eric Mangini didn’t envision being a part of Cleveland’s long-term plans defensively? Either way, this was a low-risk signing by the Eagles and if Jones can have a bounce back season, he’ll have a chance to hit the open market again in 2010 and maybe cash in like he was supposed to do this offseason before injuries killed his ’09 campaign. And even if he struggles again, Philly has a backup plan with Demps and can part with Jones next offseason without taking a cap hit.
The fact that he only got a one-year deal supports my impression of Jones. He’s terrible in coverage. Maybe the Eagles think he has upside and want to see if he’s finally healthy, so for a one-year deal it’s not a bad signing.
I think the Browns can do much better with a safety that has some experience and real instincts in the passing game. I’d also love to see them get a safety with one of their 2nd round pics.
You are/were absolutely right. I thought he would get a better deal, but obviously there are some concerns there. (Whether it be his coverage skills, injuries, etc.)
We’ll see how he does. If he can rebound, maybe he’ll score a better contract next offseason.