Pros, Cons to Dallas Cowboys’ Consideration of Moving Felix Jones
The Dallas Cowboys once again have a terrific trio of running backs heading into the 2012 NFL season. DeMarco Murray, Felix Jones and Phillip Tanner are all very different runners and each possesses something valuable to offer the Cowboys’ offense. However, Dallas is considering a switch to a dynamic duo; the team reportedly is mulling over the idea of cutting or trading Jones. That could be a really good thing or a really bad thing.
Any NFL with three good running backs will soon be a team with two good running backs – it’s inevitable and that’s just the way it is. Take Tashard Choice, for example; he bided his time in Dallas until he couldn’t take it anymore and then he was shipped to the Washington Redskins, where he fell of the face of the earth.
The New York Giants won the Super Bowl in 2007 with a dynamite trio of running backs, but Derrick Ward quickly left for greener pastures thereafter. One might wonder where greener pastures could be found, but Ward’s ideal placement was a team on which he had the chance to be the unquestioned starter.
Obviously, running backs who leave trios for greener pastures don’t always find them, but it always happens. However, it’s the Cowboys, not Jones, who are considering the move. As far as we know, Jones hasn’t expressed any interest in leaving Dallas, but the team is open to offers for the 2008 first-round draft pick.
Jones has proven in his short career that he’s an electrifying player that can make big plays, but the injury bug has kept him from playing a full NFL season yet. With the emergency of Murray and Tanner in their rookie campaigns last year, Dallas is apparently looking to expand its youth movement into the backfield.
Such a move could turn out very nicely if Murray and Tanner both stay healthy and the Cowboys find a viable No. 3 back. Jones is in the last year of his rookie deal, so he’s likely to leave Dallas at the end of the season anyway, so why not try to get a little something for him before then?
Jones could be traded to a running back-hungry team for an extra draft pick or possibly a player the Cowboys need. Dallas is already looking at replacements for Jones; Boise State running back Doug Martin was supposed to visit Valley Ranch last week, but was unable to do so because of the tornadoes that hit the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Dallas could use that extra draft pick to add depth at defensive end, receiver, the offensive line or the secondary or the Cowboys could get a suitable veteran player at one of those positions in return for Jones.
However, trading Jones could be disastrous. If Murray suffers another season-ending injury this season, then Tanner would be the head man to carry the load. Although he’s been impressive with a light workload, he could also suffer an injury if forced to carry the ball 20-plus times per game.
Jones isn’t an “old” player; he’s only 24 years old. However, four seasons worth of moderate-to-serious injuries make him a fragile running back heading into only his fifth NFL season. The Cowboys could have one of the top rushing games in the league in 2012 with Murray shouldering the load, Jones hitting home runs on screen passes and Tanner providing a change of pace at opportune times, but again, Jones might be gone this time next year anyway.
It’s not like the Cowboys don’t have time to think this over; the NFL trade deadline won’t be until the second week of October at the earliest. Dallas could use the first six weeks of the season to really see what Tanner can do and test Murray’s stability. The level of Jones’ play during that time and what Dallas can get in return for him will also factor into the decision.
Murray’s stellar play during his rookie season definitely gives the Cowboys some leverage and a small opportunity to take a chance this season, but such a move does come with potential consequences. Whatever Dallas decides to do will be interesting, if nothing else.
Follow Jeric Griffin on Twitter @JericGriffin or on Facebook at Jeric Griffin – Rant Sports
Buy Dallas Cowboys Tickets | Buy Dallas Cowboys Apparel
4 Rants to “Pros, Cons to Dallas Cowboys’ Consideration ...”
Check out what others are saying about this post...
-
[...] Home › NFL › Pros, Cons to Dallas Cowboys’ Consideration of Moving Felix Jones [...]
-
[...] Pros, Cons to Dallas Cowboys’ Consideration of Moving Felix Jones From jericwgriffin • about 1 min ago Website: http://www.rantsports.com [...]
Leave a Rant
and oh, if you want a pic to show with your comment, go get a gravatar!
FEATURED PARTNERS
- What's The Most Liked Photo On Instagram?
- The Tries Really Hard Girl Meme
- Frances Bean Says Courtney Love Should Be Banned From Twitter
- Metta World Peace -- Sued for Stiffing Ex-Employee
- Ex-NBA Star Jayson Williams -- Released from Rikers Island
- 'Blazing Saddles' Star Alex Karras Sues NFL -- I Have Dementia
- Bear Grylls Lit His First Pitch On Fire
- Greatest Obituary Ever Reads, ‘He Enjoyed Booze, Guns, Cars and Younger Women Until the Day He Died’
- Sensitive Guy Writes Male Birth Control Injection Pledge; Here’s Our Revision
Only reason Dallas drafted Jones he is from Arkansas, Dallas could of had Jamaal Charles, Chris Johnson instaed they signed another AVERAGE player!!!
I don’t think it’s a good idea to try and trade Jones. I think Jones could actually be your “3rd” receiver. If you traded him for maybe a 3rd receiver, I really don’t think you will get a much better player. He has good hands and his burst of speed makes people miss. Personally I don’t think Murry is all that either. I liked his style of play and think he could be a good back but unless they build a running game around him with a good offensive line, then his short success will be just that, short.