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Bucs Work Out 5 Receivers, Including Jones, Tyree |
 WR Matt Jones was a first-round pick by Jacksonville in 2005 (photo by Getty Images) |
The Bucs suffered through at least five dropped passes combined from Michael Clayton and Antonio Bryant in their 33-14 loss at Philadelphia. That prompted the team to bring in five free agent WRs for a workout on Tuesday, including ex-Jacksonville first-rounder Matt Jones, David Tyree, Yamon Figurs, Chris Davis & Jordan Kent.
Although he didn’t mention Michael Clayton and Antonio Bryant by name, the two receivers combined for at least five drops in Tampa Bay’s 33-14 loss at Philadelphia on Sunday. Bucs head coach Raheem Morris blasted the play of his veteran wide receivers for dropped passes and that prompted the Buccaneers took a hard look at five free agent receivers at One Buc Place on Tuesday.
Former Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Matt Jones was the headliner in a group that also featured David Tyree, whose famous catch two years ago helped the New York Giants beat the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII, Yamon Figurs, Chris Davis and Jordan Kent. Figurs played collegiately at Kansas State with Tampa Bay rookie quarterback Josh Freeman, Davis played collegiately at Florida State, while Kent hails from Oregon.
Jones, the Jaguars’ former first-round pick in 2005, played quarterback at Arkansas, but showed enough athleticism at the NFL Combine to convince Jacksonville to convert him to wide receiver in the pros.
Jones, 26, caught 166 passes for 2,153 yards (13.0 avg.) and 15 touchdowns during his four-year career with the Jaguars. He started 15 of the 52 games he played in with Jacksonville.
The 6-foot-6, 218-pound Jones’ best season came in 2008 when he hauled in a career-high 65 passes for 761 yards and two touchdowns.
Not only are the Bucs watching Jones closely on the football field, they’re in the process of taking an even closer look at him off it.
That’s because Jones’ four-year career in Jacksonville ended due to off-the-field issues, which included an arrest for cocaine in the summer of 2008 followed by a short jail sentence for violation of the terms of his plea deal after drinking alcohol.
Jones has been working out in hopes of resuming his NFL career. He reportedly graduated from a drug court in Arkansas, resulting in the state dropping cocaine possession charges against him. He also isn’t believed to be subject to discipline from the NFL.
Former Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Matt Jones was the headliner in a group that also featured David Tyree, whose famous catch two years ago helped the New York Giants beat the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII, Yamon Figurs, Chris Davis and Jordan Kent. Figurs played collegiately at Kansas State with Tampa Bay rookie quarterback Josh Freeman, Davis played collegiately at Florida State, while Kent hails from Oregon.
Jones, the Jaguars’ former first-round pick in 2005, played quarterback at Arkansas, but showed enough athleticism at the NFL Combine to convince Jacksonville to convert him to wide receiver in the pros.
Jones, 26, caught 166 passes for 2,153 yards (13.0 avg.) and 15 touchdowns during his four-year career with the Jaguars. He started 15 of the 52 games he played in with Jacksonville.
The 6-foot-6, 218-pound Jones’ best season came in 2008 when he hauled in a career-high 65 passes for 761 yards and two touchdowns.
Not only are the Bucs watching Jones closely on the football field, they’re in the process of taking an even closer look at him off it.
That’s because Jones’ four-year career in Jacksonville ended due to off-the-field issues, which included an arrest for cocaine in the summer of 2008 followed by a short jail sentence for violation of the terms of his plea deal after drinking alcohol.
Jones has been working out in hopes of resuming his NFL career. He reportedly graduated from a drug court in Arkansas, resulting in the state dropping cocaine possession charges against him. He also isn’t believed to be subject to discipline from the NFL.
Comments
seat26
9:57am, October 13, 2009
JDouble
Matt Jones is by no means going to be the savior of our team, but I hope we sign him. He has shown he can be great, and he has had his carrer flash before his eyes. He might just have a new outlook and be a much more motivated guy. Look Braylon Edwards last night. Sometimes guys just need a new start with a new team.
Worse case scenerio he stinks and we drop him in the off season, but right now I think he is an upgrade over Clayton or Stovall. Best case scenerio is he converts to TE and stays here for the next 6 years. He is 6"6" 230lbs. That's a nice big target for our young QBs.
Worse case scenerio he stinks and we drop him in the off season, but right now I think he is an upgrade over Clayton or Stovall. Best case scenerio is he converts to TE and stays here for the next 6 years. He is 6"6" 230lbs. That's a nice big target for our young QBs.
10:05am, October 13, 2009
JDouble
Also, like Merriman, I'd don't care for the dude personally...but he is a firey guy that could help bring an identity to out team. Right now we have no identity, other than the yucks.
10:07am, October 13, 2009
BucFanForLife
Curious to hear how Jones looks in his workout. Also curious to hear Jones respond to his off field issues. People change and if sincere in their apology, should be given a second chance. If they do sign Jones, what does this mean for Clayton. If he were cut, it will be another admitted hugh mistake from the new regime. A 10 million dollar mistake.
10:08am, October 13, 2009
ancil
Clayton is "Mr. Sticky Fingers" compared to Jones.
It got so bad that the Jaguars considered putting Jones on IR because it appeared that he only had one hand.
It got so bad that the Jaguars considered putting Jones on IR because it appeared that he only had one hand.
10:10am, October 13, 2009
sunrisejeff
Yamon is an interesting choice too. The guy has return skills as well and has a chemistry with Freeman. And I agree with you BucFan this would end up being yet another costly mistake by the new regime.....can guarantee the owners are not going to like looking at the books and realize all the money they are paying to players that arent even on the team anymore.
10:11am, October 13, 2009
JDouble
Could have have Braylon Edwards for a 3rd and a 5th.....
10:13am, October 13, 2009
JDouble
I don't see anyone trading for Clayton. Who is gonna take on his $5 million a year contract after watching his career here?
10:15am, October 13, 2009
Rbrown129
T.O. is on the trading block.
10:35am, October 13, 2009
JDouble
who cares
10:49am, October 13, 2009
sunrisejeff
lol we sure as hell don't need T.O. Guy is ok for a year or two on a good team but put him on a struggling team and you'll have issues. And JDouble I still do not think Edwards is worth what was given for him, the 3rd, 5th and two players. The guy made a couple of nice catches last night but he still drops the ball too often for my taste. If the refs would not have bailed him out on that pass interference call on the ball he dropped in the endzone people would still be questioning him.
10:50am, October 13, 2009
JDouble
TO is a complete douche bag and he is almost 40 years old. He has been a complete cancer to evry team he has been on. The ONLY reason to sign TO is if you think you can win a SB and give him a one year deal. That is not our situation and it would be 100% ridiculously horrible decision making to trade for that idiot.
10:52am, October 13, 2009
tyork
SR - what is your opinion of Yamon Figurs as I remember you pulling for the Bucs to draft him a while back? Why is he not on a team?
Can't wait to hear how Jones did at his workout. I remember Jones coming out of college and was hoping he'd land as a Buc. I know his career hasn't been great but the guy has freakish talent. If he's hungry and his head has been removed from his ass, this could be a good thing.
Can't wait to hear how Jones did at his workout. I remember Jones coming out of college and was hoping he'd land as a Buc. I know his career hasn't been great but the guy has freakish talent. If he's hungry and his head has been removed from his ass, this could be a good thing.
11:02am, October 13, 2009
1bucfanjeff
Jones is a bigger Clayton...they both have trouble catching.
Maybe it's too often an assumption when working out a WR that they can catch. That should be the first question. Can you catch?
I'm all for giving they guy a chance, but work the contract accordingly for a guy with off the field issues.
Maybe it's too often an assumption when working out a WR that they can catch. That should be the first question. Can you catch?
I'm all for giving they guy a chance, but work the contract accordingly for a guy with off the field issues.
11:25am, October 13, 2009
tjhuth
Hey Rah
2010 draft hint:
Ndamukong Suh,Ndamukong Suh,Ndamukong Suh,Ndamukong Suh,Ndamukong Suh,Ndamukong Suh,Ndamukong Suh,Ndamukong Suh...
With the first pick of the 2010 draft, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers select: Ndamukong Suh
2010 draft hint:
Ndamukong Suh,Ndamukong Suh,Ndamukong Suh,Ndamukong Suh,Ndamukong Suh,Ndamukong Suh,Ndamukong Suh,Ndamukong Suh...
With the first pick of the 2010 draft, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers select: Ndamukong Suh
11:52am, October 13, 2009
g8rbuc
We need this bad and not just for a one year deal. He is trying to get back into football so he probably won't be that expensive for a three year deal. I like Straughter but that is about it out of our WR. Bryant is solid but no way should we pay him the kind of money to keep him after this year. Get Matt Jones now for cheap.
11:56am, October 13, 2009
bucswillwin
Ok ok. Clayton needs to be replaced. He needed to a couple years back. It's just mental for him. He beats himself up and focuses on the negative - like those playing golf who see the water and then say to themsleves 'ok, don't hit it in the water' and they hit it in the water.
But lets not lose perspective here. Do you ever notice that most good coaches after a game blame themselves for a loss?
What do our coaches do? They blame the players. While our coaches are confusing the heck out of our players, stifling them - none of the players speak up or they know they'll be benched or out the door quickly or something like that.
We should try out 5 defensive coordinators today too.
Ok Derrick Brooks may or may not want to come back but I think John Lynch needs to be added to this defensive coaching staff asap. He's here and he's waiting.
But lets not lose perspective here. Do you ever notice that most good coaches after a game blame themselves for a loss?
What do our coaches do? They blame the players. While our coaches are confusing the heck out of our players, stifling them - none of the players speak up or they know they'll be benched or out the door quickly or something like that.
We should try out 5 defensive coordinators today too.
Ok Derrick Brooks may or may not want to come back but I think John Lynch needs to be added to this defensive coaching staff asap. He's here and he's waiting.
11:58am, October 13, 2009
tjones
what about urrita or however you spell his name, isnt he on our practice squad .
12:06pm, October 13, 2009
rocko23
pull the trigger. he would make a good target for Freemen in the future.
12:19pm, October 13, 2009
amnion
It sounds exciting right now...the possibility of another receiver and all. I'm done with the enthusiasm. This team is good at disappointing its fans. This time i'll just sit and wait with no optimism or skepticism. If this signing is good, then great. If its horrible then....whatever.
Pirates life sucks...at least for now.
Pirates life sucks...at least for now.
12:36pm, October 13, 2009
BigEd1340am
Just fire Jon Gruden and Clayton won't drop anymore passes!! Oh wait, we did that.
12:46pm, October 13, 2009
tyork
Aren't we trying out 5 defensive lineman today too?
Oh, well we should be.
Oh, well we should be.
1:42pm, October 13, 2009
dungyball
Matt Jones is an interesting wildcat QB prospect. He's decent throwing the ball on short and intermediary routes and the guy can move. Wildcat didn't catch on until Jville had parted ways with him and I don't think they would have experiemented with him in it being so committed to making him a WR.
With that said, nothing will happen in this area and Clayton will pick his game up out of sheer embarassment.
With that said, nothing will happen in this area and Clayton will pick his game up out of sheer embarassment.
1:43pm, October 13, 2009
trapper
Cowboys,Dolphins,Jets and Bears also looking at Matt Jones according to Sportsfanlive.com.
1:47pm, October 13, 2009
pinkstob
I think Jones would be an upgrade over Clayton. Tyree not so much. Figurs' hands aren't any better than Clayton's either, but at least he stretches out the defense.
2:16pm, October 13, 2009
d.schomburg
I have stood by Clayton but he is just not getting it done. Time to turn the page I keep looking to next year but I don't want to I want to stay focused on this year. But I don't see the team getting better but I just see it staying in a nose dive something needs to happen.
2:18pm, October 13, 2009
wpmcclane
This is a typical knee-jerk reaction by Rah-Dom following our latest defeat. Bring in a bunch of journeymen WRs for a try out. Great plan. And for what? So they take the next 5 games learning the offense and getting worked into the game plan? Jones is a mental mess and there is no way I'd invest in him. Better to at least try and make a trade for a quality wideout before the deadline, rather than try out retreads.
I've said at least half a dozen times since January we should have gone after T.J. Houshmandzadeh in free agency. He's quietly having a helluva season in Seatttle and he was available, but Rah-Dom drank the kool-aid and resigned Clayton instead as our answer for our #2 receiver. Right Dominik?
I have a better idea: How about having Clayton and the rest of the receivers stay out on the practice field all week catching balls until their hands bleed?
I've said at least half a dozen times since January we should have gone after T.J. Houshmandzadeh in free agency. He's quietly having a helluva season in Seatttle and he was available, but Rah-Dom drank the kool-aid and resigned Clayton instead as our answer for our #2 receiver. Right Dominik?
I have a better idea: How about having Clayton and the rest of the receivers stay out on the practice field all week catching balls until their hands bleed?
2:59pm, October 13, 2009
jongruden
"Get rid of Gruden he doesn't know the offense its to predictable and boring, and Clayton would be a much better receiver with out him" All you Gruden hating idiots are seeing what life is like without Gruden, lie in your beds!
3:02pm, October 13, 2009
Rbrown129
PR why wont the bucs give Urrita a chance. Isnt he like 6'6 and has some wheels
3:04pm, October 13, 2009
cremdonado
Whoopie !!! more marginal talent..Its like buying band aids without adhesive...Maybe T-Jack and Jones can be roommates..
3:27pm, October 13, 2009
d.schomburg
jongruden you are right about clayton but istill think it was time for a new head coach.... not morris but somebody that has forsight.... also someone that can draft well.
3:44pm, October 13, 2009
d.schomburg
do we think morris will still have a job after this season or will the owners stick with him for five years
3:46pm, October 13, 2009
sunrisejeff
I think if he goes 0-16 or 1-15 he will not be here next year d.schomburg. Just my personal opinion but if he continues not to show signs of improvment ticket sales will continue to plummet which will force the owners hand.
4:06pm, October 13, 2009
skanji65
I dont think any coach can work with the talent we have on this team. There just simply isnt enough players on either side of the ball to field a competitive team week in and week out. An injury to Faine killed our running game and pass protection schemes post Dallas. High priced WR AB and Clayton dont live up to standards we are only left with Stovall and Stroughter behind them. On Defense we have no production from front line except for Wilkerson. And in the secondary a suspension to Tanard puts a guy like Will Allen who is only serviceable onspecial teams into the starting Safety role and then proceeds to get constantly beaten on deep plays.
Injuries, suspensions, and slow starts will kill a team when you dont have talented depth at the key skill positions. I dont know any coach that can make this team look much better than it does right now in its current state with the current roster. Perhaps we could have pulled out Buffalo and Redksins game as those are two putrid teams, but what does that get us? As frustrating as all of this has been in losing the first five games by a wide margin, what expectations can one really have given what has been put in front of us?
There are very few teams that consistently win every year (Colts, Steelers, Pats) and even they had some mediocre periods where the teams had to be re-tooled with young talent built from the draft and veterans sprinkled in through free agency. Its hard to build a long lasting, successful team. Everyone wants success yesterday, but may not realize turning around an NFL franchise can not be done overnight and can not be done with a roster devoid of talent.
As a diehard Bucs fan, I dont like saying it, but its going to take some time for us to come back to relevancy. But I am ok with it, as long as the product we are getting is an exciting brand of football that is built to last.
Injuries, suspensions, and slow starts will kill a team when you dont have talented depth at the key skill positions. I dont know any coach that can make this team look much better than it does right now in its current state with the current roster. Perhaps we could have pulled out Buffalo and Redksins game as those are two putrid teams, but what does that get us? As frustrating as all of this has been in losing the first five games by a wide margin, what expectations can one really have given what has been put in front of us?
There are very few teams that consistently win every year (Colts, Steelers, Pats) and even they had some mediocre periods where the teams had to be re-tooled with young talent built from the draft and veterans sprinkled in through free agency. Its hard to build a long lasting, successful team. Everyone wants success yesterday, but may not realize turning around an NFL franchise can not be done overnight and can not be done with a roster devoid of talent.
As a diehard Bucs fan, I dont like saying it, but its going to take some time for us to come back to relevancy. But I am ok with it, as long as the product we are getting is an exciting brand of football that is built to last.
6:07pm, October 13, 2009
tummler1
have these games been exciting to you???? look at k.c. they tried the "ok, lets completely start from scratch rebuild", and they're on their 2nd coach, and i dont even know how many loosing seasons in a row now. good teams rebuild in MODERATION, not take a 9-7 team and burn it to the ground to start from scratch. taking time to come back to relevancy means losses of millions for nfl organizations, as the nfl is a product, and is a win now or else league. i too am a die hard bucs fan, and while i'll always root for them, im mad as hell and want someone to be accountable for the lousy product were putting out on the field each week this year!
8:48pm, October 13, 2009
skanji65
I hear you tummler1 and I feel your pain. Its not exciting and thats what gets everyone riled up. I am not saying what we have is good or even is on the right track yet, but all I am saying is that patience will be the key if we can establish an identity for the next decade of quality Buc ball. We are a glorified expansion franchise right now.
5:45pm, October 14, 2009
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