The crazy time of year that is free agency is fast approaching, so KCChiefs.com has you covered with a 30-day free agency look, highlighting the 30 most intriguing free agents or players who could be released/traded during the offseason.
You may have noticed, there are no restricted free agents on the list, largely because they rarely leave their current teams. None of the reports are indicative of the Chiefs plans for the 2013 free agency season.
DAY 13 of 30
Fullbacks are often overlooked, at any level. So, it's easy for names like Greg Jones to not be talked about in free agency conversations and such. However, the numbers Jones has produced (when healthy), either running or blocking for his fellow backs, are worth a discussion.
Name: Greg Jones
Position: FB
Height: 6'1
Weight: 265
College: Florida State
Born: May 9, 1981 (Columbia, South Carolina)
Age: 31
Experience: 9 years
Drafted: 2004, 2nd Round-23th pick (55th overall) by Jacksonville Jaguars
Jones just completed his ninth NFL season, including 67 starts in 115 games.
STRENGTHS:
Paves the way for his running mates
Jaguars RB Maurice Jones-Drew will likely be the first to speak up for Greg Jones, who helped lead the way during MJD's rushing title in 2011 (1,606 yards).
Over his nine-year career, Jones has become a dynamic fullback, showcasing strong run blocking and pass blocking abilities, as well as being a reliable runner and receiver.
Reliability
Jones filled in for Jaguars RB Fred Taylor in 2005 and rushed for a career-high 575 yards and four TDs. He also spent time returning kicks -- with eight-career kick returns for 109 yards.
Protects the rock: Jones has one fumble in 115 games.
WEAKNESSESS:
Age is a factor (31). Add that to the fact that he is playing fullback, enduring hits on almost every play.
Injuries
Jones has battled the injury bug, throughout this career.
He missed the entire 2006 season (ACL), the final four games in 2008 (ankle) and the final three games in 2009 (ankle).
In 2012, Jones left the game on 9/23, against the Indianapolis Colts, after a head injury during the opening kickoff, ending his streak of 34-consecutive starts at fullback.
He would later miss four-consecutive weeks (11/4-11/25) with thigh injuries.
FINAL TAKE:
Despite the injury history, ESPN NFL Insider Bill Polian offered an interesting take on Jones.
"Even at age 31, Jones is a good player and adds value because of his toughness and work ethic," Polian said.
"If he's affordable, he's a guy I want on my football team. Of course the questions are: Can he pass a physical? And is he affordable? He is one of the few FBs, who can carry the ball and do it well."
Playing/blocking in front of Pro Bowl RBs (Taylor and Jones-Drew) proves Jones is worth a look in free agency. If he can stay on the field, the investment could have favorable returns.
YOUR THOUGHTS ON GREG JONES?
