The art of the follow-up: While We’re Waiting…
March 8, 2016NFL Free Agency: Falcons in hot pursuit of Alex Mack
March 8, 2016Another day, another Bengal that is drawing interest from new head coach Hue Jackson’s Cleveland Browns team. This time around, it’s on defense. According to cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot, the Browns have expressed interest in Bengals cornerback Adam “Pacman” Jones.
Before becoming Cincinnati’s offensive coordinator before the 2013-14 season, Jackson was the Bengals secondary assistant and special teams coach, so the two have plenty connections. A Pro Bowler in 2015, Jones has had his fair share of on- and off-field issues. In a superb 2015 season, he registered 62 tackles, 12 passes defended, one sack, and a forced fumbled. Due to his efforts he was named one of the best defenders on the team. But, in his nine-year career thus far, Jones has played for Tennessee (two seasons), Dallas (one), and Cincinnati (six).
Despite all of the success, Jones’ season ended with a penalty for making contact with an official during wildcard playoff weekend against the Steelers last season. Jones subsequently admitted his mistake and hopes that he can not only learn from it, but get past it as well.
“Of course we lost composure and don’t let things rile us up with coaches coming on the field, stuff like that. I learned a lot from this game. I’m not going to let that one situation take away from everything I’ve done for the team and for myself these last couple years. Everybody know I’m a passionate person. Some things I do it’s just, I wear my (heart) on my sleeve or however you want to say it. It is what it is.”
Not only is Jones a shutdown cornerback — and one of the best in the NFL at doing so — but the one called “Pacman” is also one of the best kick and punt returners in the league. In 2015, the 32-year-old averaged 23.5 yard per kick return and 11.2 yards per punt return, something he hopes to bring to his next team.
“That’s got to be a part of my game. I won’t stop doing that. That gets me going at corner. It’s something I have a knack for and I feel I’m the best at doing it. Anywhere I go, punt return and kick return is going to be a main topic.”
With Pro Bowler Joe Haden’s struggles in 2015, including allowing a near perfect passer rating in 2015, the Browns are in desperate need of a lockdown cornerback to put alongside Haden. Jones could be a huge addition to Cleveland’s defensive backfield assuming he can ease up on the distractions. Along with the Browns, the Cowboys, Dolphins, Raiders, Ravens, and Vikings are also interested in the cornerback.
Free agency officially begins Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET, but teams could begin negotiating with players starting on Monday.
19 Comments
Hey, let’s not forget to hoist a libation later today in commemoration of Johnny Football’s last day as a Brown.
Gosh, it was great having the Browns “relevant,” wasn’t it?
BTW, it seems like he’s pretty much retired, doesn’t it? Haven’t heard anything about him working out or trying to stay in the game. Guess he’ll just drink until the money runs out, which could be a lot sooner than you might think, the way he’s going. Unless he thinks he can start getting serious about his career right after his July 4 party and sees if he can hook up with some team.
“According to cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot…”
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Johnny who now?
I hadn’t thought of that last point, but you’re totally right. He either knows he is going somewhere or he’s given up.
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Hmmm… tough consideration. It would be fantastic to have a cornerback with his abilities, but I would be in a consistent state of nervousness thinking that he might blow the game with his antics.
The Browns have proven fully capable of blowing games without his help.
This is true… so ok, let’s do this thing.
If they sign this guy they have learned nothing.
Lest we forget, he was fully accountable for the loss vs. the Steelers. Fully accountable.
People think, “Hey, we’ll take a shot on a guy. How bad can it be?” Blow-the-entire-game bad, that’s how bad. No thanks.
He sounds like a Brown already!
Fully accountable! Except for Burfict who was actually the one accountable!
Are you talking about Pacman or JR Smith?
I sure am.
tramon williams is already signed for this year & will be here , won’t he ?? i would almost rather see k.williams , or ekpre-olomu get their chance.
just no…
Burfict penalty was during a play. Jones got hot headed with Porter and yelled at the refs. Both stupid but Jones’ was clearly worse for the team