Wait, the Bears gave up Thomas Jones plus their second round pick and got what? Only a second round pick?! Why the hell would the Bears give up Jones and a second rounder just to move up in the second round?
Well, when you actually think about it, the move works out well for the Bears seeing as how Jones wanted out of Chicago and the team was ready to make Cedric Benson the feature back. Jones was either going to be a very unhappy camper playing second-fiddle to Benson next year, or the Bears could trade up 26 spots and get a solid contributor next year. On the surface, it sounds like a bogus trade, but Jones will be a free agent in ’08 and wouldn’t be a Bear next year anyway, so why not get value for him? Plus, moving up 26 spots is no small move for a team. Watch what draft wizard Jerry Angelo does with that pick after finding gems Devin Hester, Mark Anderson and Lance Briggs in middle rounds of previous drafts.
For the Jets, what a deal this was for them. First and foremost, they get a guy in Jones who only has carried the rock 1,349 times despite already being 28. Jones is still an explosive runner, is a solid option out of the backfield and a tremendous locker room guy. Pair Jones up with a second year back in Leon Washington, and New York has the makings of a very solid backfield. Plus, the Jets didn’t lose a draft pick and actually still have two selections in the second round.
I’d give the edge to the Jets, but both teams made out in this deal
