The Bears have reportedly traded Thomas Jones to the Jets. They'll be swapping 2nd round picks.
I am literally sick to my stomach. They move up in a round in exchange for the leader of an already shaky offense. The 2007 Chicago Bears will now enter the season without their most productive offensive weapon and most likely without their most productive defensive weapon - Lance Briggs.
And I'm supposed to continue to cheer this team with a smile? Bitter Jeff is back. And the Jets should be roundly applauded for stealing a brilliant player.
#2 Jeff's Brother said . . .why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why
March 6, 2007
#3 Tannenbaum said . . .I have seen the Jets make poor draft picks and off-season acquisitions for the past twenty years. Finally we have the right leadership!!!!
March 6, 2007
#4 AfroCelt said . . .You like that Jerry? You like it don't you? Almost done. Whooo. Feels good. I know it hurts but it feels really good.
March 6, 2007
#5 Bear Dn. said . . .WTF?!
and I had a good day going....
Briggs we could have swallowed...it would have hurt, but we could still have made the moves to succeed.
but Jones? what were they thinking? Was he injured? Does he have leprosy?
WTF...
March 6, 2007
#6 Hester 4 President said . . .I think someone just kicked me in the balls, told me Santa is dead, and dismembered my wife in one cruel punch. The taste in my mouth is vomit.
Maybe we can get a breakout RB that everyone else missed twice in the second round??
March 6, 2007
#7 Max said . . .What is going on...
I come home to find that Briggs wants out then about an hour later I hear the Bears traded away Jones?
We give Angelo an extension to make all of these stupid moves? I'm starting to feel worse about this teams chances next year everytime we makea stupid move like this.
March 6, 2007
#8 Jakub said . . .This is expected. TJ wanted out. I thought he was gone last year. I am sorry to see him go but honestly, this is a good BUSINESS move by the team. This was probably the best they were gonna get for him and this gives the ball straight to Benson, who they have wanting to start for a long time.
It hurts. I was a big TJ backer all last year and the year before (although ill admit when we first signed him, I was an A-train backer still) He was a good player and more important, a good Chicago Bear. He brought back good, consistent play to that position that had been missing for a number of years (James Allen, Curtis Enis, Raymond Harris, Rashaan Salaam).
But now its Benson time. And ya know who his back up is? Call me crazy but A.P. is a very capable back-up and a good change of pace player to compliment Benson.
I'm moving on from this. I'll always remember and love Thomas Jones on the Bears and I hope he does well for the Jets (unless they are playing the Bears)
March 6, 2007
#9 jdawg said . . .Sonofa...
=(
This has been a crappy day for Bears football.
March 6, 2007
#10 jeff said . . .I can understand the disappointment but not the surprise, with either player. Jones was not going to get the deal he wanted and neither was Briggs.
This does possibly alter what the Bears will do in the draft, but we'll wait and see.
Neither of these guys are irreplaceable. In my book its Olin on O and 54 on D.
We'll see how Benson holds up over a year, but I now sniff an RB taken in the early rounds. Are there any playmakers out there?
March 6, 2007
#11 beardown1982 said . . .they got zero.
March 6, 2007
#12 Da Coach said . . .I don't think there is any reason to be surprised that TJ got traded...from what I've been hearing on the score, he wanted to get traded in the first place. One season of sharing the load was hard enough, but he knew that his agent could help him get some good money if the bears could trade him to the right team, and that is exactly what happened. There was no way he was gonna resign with the bears after this coming season...only hope would have been to have him stay one more year and try to get back to the bowl with him and ced again.
The only thing I am upset about is that the Bears didn't get much in return. I thought they could at least get a couple of picks...I hope they know what they are doing with this pick, because it will be important.
I do think AP can do a decent job of spilling benson from time to time. I think ced will be very good...he just has to learn how to block and keep his damn foot out of his mouth for a change.
What an interesting offseason this has become...the bears were in the super bowl not a month ago. seems like ages
March 6, 2007
#13 Al in WI said . . .Losing Jones is one thing but to get him in return for a 2nd round draft pick and on top of it we send our 2nd round pick to the Jets has me burned!!! I would have thought for sure we could have gotten a 2nd & 3rd for Jones especially coming off the postseason he had where I believe he led all rb's in yardage and was our leader on offense. Man am I irked at this deal, we pretty much gave him away......damn this offseason, damn the colts, damn drew rosenhaus, damn it all!!!!!
March 6, 2007
#14 jdawg said . . .This trade sucks, not only do we not get a playmaker in return, we actually had to give up a pick to get the wonderful 37th pick overall. Dumb.
March 6, 2007
#15 craig said . . .I think we are all forgetting that there were no takers for Alexander two years ago. RB's just do not have the value that they used to have. James going to the Cardinals and the season he had (oh, and the Colts happened to win the superbowl, I mean BigGame(tm) cemented that fact, plus the shelf life of any RB is a huge gamble. Remember, we didn't pay anything for Jones, we signed him as a free agent. At least we're moving up basically a round with the trade.
People are already doubting that Johnson in KC can even come close to matching last season's numbers this season. Please name me the star running backs of the last 5 SB champs. Now, name me the QB's.
See a trend?
March 6, 2007
#16 jeff said . . .not a surprise, but I would've like it if we'd gotten a bit more in exchange. I don't like the sound of a 2 for a 2, even if ours was a pick away from the 3rd round and theirs is just 5 picks out of the first...
I like TJ a lot, and would've been happy enough to see him in a Bear uniform next year. But he didn't want to be. That's the key. And no way they were gonna pay him stay-happy money with Benson on board and TJ getting up in years. So it was gonna get done, it was just a question of who and for what. I wish it was a little bit more.
I wish TJ well, too, though growing up in Jersey my brothers and I would always joke that the minute the Jets acquired a player, no matter how talented or how good his track record, his career was effectively over.
We better hope Benson is what we paid for...
March 6, 2007
#17 Jim said . . .guys, the happy face stuff has to stuff. 1200 yards for a 20 pick bump. that's completely horrible.
March 6, 2007
#18 ODB said . . .Whatever trade leverage the Bears had with TJ was pretty much shot by the 1-2 combo of Benson & every GM in the league knowing TJ wanted out. Let's reserve a bit of judgment until we see just how much cap space the Jets wind up committing to him.
March 6, 2007
#19 Alley said . . .I am Jones fan but this was a good move.
4 reasons:
1) He is a damn fine back but he is not special - how many TD does he have from runs of more than 10 yds?
2)His leadership in the huddle was needed last year; this becomes Rex's team next year.
3) It might sound strange but Benson will function better without the competition - that or he'll be outed as a fraud and disappear.
4) He wanted to leave!Adios Thomas. You were a good Bear!
March 6, 2007
#20 tony said . . .i feel worse today than i did after we lost the superbowl. wtf
March 6, 2007
#21 Max said . . .i agree, this is worse than losing the SB because with Rexy in the pocket all year I was just happy to be in the Big Game, so losing it (this year) was no big deal.
however getting rid of Jones AND having to give up a 2nd round pick just to get another 2nd rounder makes no sense to me.
there are plenty of crappy teams that have seen teams like the Chargers, the Saints, and now the Bears totally succeed once they got their running back.
we just let ours go away.
March 6, 2007
#22 Kent said . . .Jeff, I am sorry but i gotta take this stance.
Ever since about 3 minutes left to go in the Super Bowl, I have been negative.
I am sick of it. It ate away at me. It eats away at me now. It sucks. But god damn it. . .
You want me to say it? Ok, we got raped on this deal. Jets fans should be dancing in the freakin streets.
But what can ya do? He was gone. The only wonder was how lopsided the trade was gonna be. I am moving on. Benson and A.P. era
March 6, 2007
#23 craig said . . .I was initially shocked at the notion that we didn't get enough value for trading Thomas Jones. After the initial shock of the trade wore off and I've had a chance to reflect a little further, this is most likely not a bad deal. We did switch second round picks with the Jets, so the Bears have the #31 and #37 picks of the NFL draft. This puts the Bears on the cusp to get two good players that can contribute immediately (as this season's draft is deep at the top) It also adds an additional $2.25M to the surplus the Bears have under the salary cap.
I think the Bears will be just fine. Benson will step up (remember, he rushed for the same 4.1 ypc that Jones did, scored the same 6 TD's as Jones did on less than half the carries.) Adrian Peterson is also very underrated and is ready to go. It's ok, folks, the Bears will be just fine.
March 6, 2007
#24 Nicole is miserable in this blue city said . . .ESPN's John Clayton weighs in: "If you are trying to figure out the Thomas Jones trade, it's pretty simple. The Bears moved up 26 spots in the second round, getting a Jets pick at No. 37. That's a prime position to get a borderline rookie starter or a quality prospect."
March 6, 2007
#25 Nicole is miserable in this blue city said . . .Hell, I might as well cheer for the Colts now. F*ckin idiots in Chicago need their damn heads kicked.
March 6, 2007
#26 jdawg said . . .NEED A GOOD LAUGH?
Go to deadspin.com and see what Manning did last weekend. What a joke.March 6, 2007
#27 Alex said . . .man Nicole, I never thought the human-forehead would sell his soul to a 16-year-old. I can only think of one word:
ghey
At least we know that no sane parent would unleash Rex the Sex Cannon on their 16-year-old's b-day.
March 6, 2007
#28 Nicole is miserable in this blue city said . . .A bummer, but this won't have a huge impact on team's performance on the field. Running backs fizzle out at 30. Jones is 28. Running backs are replacable. Running backs are developed. We have Benson. And Adrian Peterson, who could have started on a number of teams, was our #3 last year. We'll be fine.
Also, knowing Jerry Angelo, he's eying someone specific with this pick. This wasn't a "let's move up" thing. This was a "gonna get my guy" thing. He knows who he's trying to land. And over the years, he hasn't been wrong much in the draft.
March 6, 2007
#29 Pissed off said . . .jdawg- I think it goes to show how lackluster the Indy fans/Colts organization are about their team. His publicist & agent should be hung by their toes.
March 6, 2007
#30 mikebdot said . . .Lets remember that the past few years has proven that RB trades only bring a 2nd round pick. And thats for really good RBs. I think the deal was quite fair for both sides based on what the market has told us about RB trades the past few years. We now have the 31st and 37th pick and we gave up the 63rd (?) and TJ. That said, I hate it. I wanted to keep TJ but maybe he was intimidated by Benson and knew that Benson was better and was going to start being "the guy". Maybe thats why he wanted out.
Also I think now we might as well trade Briggs, he doesnt want to be here. He's going to hold out. Unless we pay him we need to trade him and get what we can for him. I would like to keep him and pay him but he cannot get Urlacher money cuz he aint THAT good. Maybe trade him, get a good player in return at a position of need like RB, TE, OL, LB, or a draft pick. Then lets sign Joey Porter to a 3 year deal. I dont know how he would like taking a back seat to #54 but we can inquire.
I also wanted to say that I think we made a good deal on TJ especially taking into account the fact that he didnt want to be here. He was going to be gone anyway and I think we got a decent draft pick in return.
Now we should be able to draft Brian Leonard, right Jeff?
March 6, 2007
#31 Phil from SATX said . . .Man, you're starting to sound like a fairweather fan Jeff...where's the condemnation from PO'd?
T.J. trips over the line of scrimmage. I have no qualms with C.B. + A.P.
This just makes me very anxious for the draft...
March 6, 2007
#32 jeff said . . .I gotta weigh in with the sky ain't fallin crowd. Here's the deal - Jones was unhappy with the situation about sharing with Benson. He might have stayed unhappy no matter what his potential contract might have cost, and the Bears weren't prepared to suck up that contract. So they had to get something for him.
There are two scenarios that can play out with Benson as starting back - one is good and one is bad. Focusing on the bad, I think the Bears just accelerated things by one year. To me, the good and bad are only separated by injury. In other words, Benson has already proven that he has the goods to be a very good to great every down back. What we don't know about Benson is his durability. So the good scenario is Benson stays healthy - if he does, I'm sure he'll have a great season next year. If he gets hurt, the Bears need a long term replacement, and that wouldn't be Thomas Jones (who, let's remember, has a propensity for getting hurt as well). So all this does is accelerate the need for a rookie RB, who will come much much cheaper than TJ. I sincerely hope that occurs this season, because Benson could go down in preseason, and we don't want to waste a potential Super Bowl year.
Did they get enough for TJ? That I don't know. David Haugh says the math indicates that it is like getting a high 3rd round pick for him. I like the fact that he was traded to someone we'll never see, and someone who won't make it to the Super Bowl in the near future.
It's a shame, because we all loved TJ and he played a huge role this past year - but he wasn't going to stay anyway.
Now how about getting something in trade for Briggs? Surely we could get more than this deal.
March 6, 2007
#33 Da Coach said . . .MY PROBLEM ISN'T LOSING THOMAS JONES! You guys should see the New York headlines! "Jets get Jones from Bears for nothing" & "Jets steals Super Back" - they're laughing at us. How do you give up a 1200 yard back and the best back in the playoffs this year for a 20 pick bump? And calling me a fairweather fan is not going to get you anywhere...if this was thomas jones for the jets 2 - great deal. but swapping picks? ridiculous.
March 6, 2007
#34 Phil from SATX said . . .I agree Jeff, the problem does not lie in the fact that we lost Jones (who I loved) its the fact we got nothing for him, I know how desperate a team like the Jets were for a number 1 RB and with the postseason performance Jones was coming off of we got way below market value. Jones value was never going to be higher imo.
To the others that think we will be fine with Benson, I cannot get out of mind his first 2 carries of the superbowl, a fumble and then a knee injury on the biggest stage of the year, not to mention his lack of respect from his peers in the locker room. I really hope he turns out to be a great back for us and with how things are setup now he is going to have to be or we are in trouble.
March 6, 2007
#35 mikebdot said . . .Uh, Fairweather, don't forget you live in the land of Hyperbolic Headlines. Over here in the Flyover States we're a little more sober and sedate.
I think it probably was a great deal for the Jets. But it ain't going to help them get anywhere. The question is, could the Bears have gotten more?
Still think we need to trust Jerry and friends - remember that we all use the Patriots as an organizational guide for not overpaying players but staying on top while plugging in pieces. (Granted that's a lot easier when you have a Tom Brady behind center). With Benson here, Jones still qualifies as a piece - a great one, but still a piece. I think it was again David Haugh who also argued the same for Briggs - the scheme favors that position, and others could be plugged in.
Can't believe I'm back on the same side with PO'd - how's it going man? Did you survive ND's winter?
March 6, 2007
#36 Matt said . . .Not sure where I'd be trying to get...
Just saying, man. "And I'm supposed to continue to cheer this team with a smile?" You're goddamn right you are. You're a Bears fan! Are you saying you immediately do not believe in our management? They took us to the Super Bowl with Lovie and the talent they've brought in thus far. A 1200 yard back is very easy to come by these days. That's only 75 yards a game. Shit, he was 11th in the league in yardage, 24th in yards per carry, 20th in TDs...and yes, I realize he had a great post season, but it was mostly because of two runs that were holes so wide open it wasn't even funny.
TJ is not a god. I won't front, neither is CB, but he's young and I'll take AP as a backup/third down back any day.
We are in good position....unless Rex sucks donkey ass and Griese can't save us...
March 6, 2007
#37 Matt said . . .23 RB rushed for over 100o yards last year jones was one of them. Jones is replacable
March 6, 2007
#38 Lackluster?!?!?! said . . .23 RB rushed for over 100o yards last year jones was one of them. Jones is replacable
March 6, 2007
#39 Al in WI said . . .Its funny how you just called are town lackluster about our colts. YOur team is 26.9 under the cap which is pretty good spending money. For having that much money you let riveria, jones, and now your key defensive player wants out. says alot about the confidence and the character of that lockeroom. Manning and other players have volunteered to give up money in order to keep the nucleus of the colts together. While your star players want out, lookin in from the outside it looks like your team confidence is shattered. Nicole your a far wheather female football fan and gossip queen. If i ever need a good laugh i come to this web site.
March 6, 2007
#40 Walter S. said . . .Jeff is right, the thing that really stinks about this deal is that we got nothing in return. Several posters have explained why trading Jones wasn't a horrible mistake, age, 1yr left, league standing, Benson coming on ect.
But the problem is we didn't get a player in a similar situation at a need position like WR, or really gain any extra picks from this. We also just added to another need to the draft, and that means that all of our draft needs are going to be positions of strength the last 2 years instead of areas of weekness. So even if these picks work out we won't necessarily be better. Not what needs to happen.March 6, 2007
#41 TJ in Greeen said . . .Do you see what happens Jerry? Do you see what happens? Do you see what happens Jerry? This is what happens. This is what happens when you fuck a stranger in the ass. This is what happens Jerry. This is what happens when you fuck a stranger in the ass.
March 6, 2007
#42 TJ in Greeen said . . .i would just like to say thankyou Jerry Angelo and the Bears Organization for completing this trade . To get a starting running back and still keep our 2 second round picks shows who the superious GM was in this case
March 6, 2007
#43 Coxy said . . .Nice to see who the Superior GM was in this case....Tannenbaum of course ....get a starting Running back and still keep our 2 second round picks .....Jones who at his age of 28 has 500 less carries than most running backs his age and still has 3-4 productive years left in him.... sorry bears fans ... Nice doin business with ya.
March 6, 2007
#44 Coxy said . . .Jones wanted out. Benson wanted Jones out. Jets and the rest of the league knew we needed to get rid of Jones. Obviously the offer was not going to make us happy.
I think it would have been a good trade if the Bears upgraded the second round pick and held onto their other pick. I dont see how or why they needed to throw in their pick. All of their needs could have been addressed in the draft if they held onto it, ignoring the debatable qb needs.
But as for now, I am happy for Jones. That guy was the man. Classy selfless player who hopefully signs a fat contract with the Jets.
March 6, 2007
#45 J-E-T-S in 2007!!!!!!! Smackem! said . . .But what about his Chicago Bear orange Lamborgini he just purchased? Won't look half as good in green.
March 6, 2007
#46 X-MIA-nt said . . .JETS BABY!!! I thought this message board needed some Jets love. You are correct, the NY papers are all over the steal of this off season. Most of you realize it, some others are trying to rationalize Bears Management. I agree CB has a bright future, however, you did just give us a 1200 yard back who ran wild while carrying his team all the way to the superbowl, and maybe if you guys had non pop warner Quarterback you guys would of won it. But you cant diminish TJ's numbers, remember 6 td's were given to CB on the goaline in addition to a sizeable workload for a backup. IF TJ got a serious bulk of the carries last year his numbers would of read more like 1650 yards and 11 touchdowns. Yea, those numbers can win rushing titles some years. I thank you for a top 6 back in the NFL in the prime of his career for moving up and switching picks with 1 of our 3 second rounders.....oh its good times in New York City this morning, good times in deed.
March 7, 2007
Phil, first of all, the NFC is nowhere near winning superbowl, especially the Bears who are in the midst of dismantling their team thanks to Jerry Angelo. They're 25% under their salary cap but they're not getting it done...they're hemming and hawing over paying one of the top head coaches; the defensive coordinator's left, replaced with a former ND State D-II coach....oh yeah, I-AA...sorry and they've lost their coreplayers. But the biggest mistake???....the players can see the dichotomy (http://209.161.33.50/dictionary/dichotomy) between front office and coaching staff!!!!!!!!!! Superbowl bound...I don't think so....and I'm a BEARS FAN
March 11, 2007
Here at DaBearsBlog, you are free to kill us or the Bears as you so wish. You are not free, however, to be an asshole. So if you spew racism or ill-meaning foul language (cursing about football is just fine) or anything of that ilk, your comments ain't gonna last long, jerk.