Free-agent receiver Matt Jones, a first-round pick in the 2005 draft, successfully has completed a “drug court” program, according to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.
As a result, felony cocaine charges filed against him last year have been dismissed.
But the road wasn’t smooth. Jones spent a week in jail earlier this year after testing positive for alcohol, in violations of the terms of the drug court program.
Jones will remain in the NFL’s substance abuse program until 2010, even though he currently doesn’t have a team. The Jaguars cut him after he was released from jail, even though he generated in 2008 the highest reception and yardage totals of his career.
In twelve games, Jones caught 65 passes for 761 yards.
The numbers would have been even higher if he hadn’t been suspended three games as a result of his entry into the drug court program.
It remains to be seen whether any other team takes a chance on Jones, who has turned out to be one of many first-round picks in 2005 who have failed to live up to their NFL potential.
failing to live up to potential probly had something to do with being forced to change positions.
he wasnt great but he was the jags offense last year.
Hello Mr. Davis, 6’6!
failing to live up to potential? shows how ignorant people can be.
he was learning a NEW position and after a few years of learning it put up really good numbers. in fact #1 WR numbers. i dont see how you can judge his success/failure when he wasn’t given a chance. He played no WR in college and therefore who would expect him to be stellar at it in the NFL (a much quicker game) in his first or second year.
florio has lived up to potential of being ignorant.
Vikings fans, meet Matt Jones. This is a perfect desperation move for the Vikings to upgrade their terrible WR core.
Good luck to whoever signs Coke Zero. The agony of watching a guy play below his potential.
The Bears are considering taking a chance on Plax. Why not go for the guy with no suspension in Matt Jones. The Bears WRs def have speed in Hester and this rookie Knox, Olsen has some good size but how about adding some more of it. He’s been clean for a while and well worth the risk.
Still think the Cowboys should invite him to camp.
actually favre needs tall targets due to his propensity to overthrow.
does that mean because he was on a roster in 2008 he is ineligable for the UFL. Seems like the perfect place for him at this time
I’d take him in Tampa for sure. I’m willing to bet that the brass is gonna give him a look too, with our lack of concern in character shown in recent years, and the lack of dollars necessary to get a deal done….. perfect fit.
Why discontinue the term Moonshine?
Is Mike Florio still running PFT?
Of the possibilities out there, he makes the most sense for the Bears–a better risk/reward proposition than Blaxico.
Sign him for a year, see how it shakes out.
Matt Jones does not have freakish speed.
He is not a freakish athlete.
I saw first hand since 2005 ….
He was covered like a blanket all the time. We tried him in the slash role several times, and he was awful at that.
He is slow off the line – if he ever got open the play would have been done for 30 seconds.
Good hands????????
He only used one – and usually the ball would fall incomplete.
He is awful – and has a coke/dope problem.
Maybe the UFL will let him play QB.
we’re proud to announce the newest member of the Cincinnati Bengals Mr. Matt Jones
@jclayton
He seemed to have freakish speed considering he’s 6’5-6’6 and ran a 4.4 at the combine. That’s pretty freakish.
he is fast, maybe not maneuverable.
what does one expect… he is actually a QUARTERBACK.
Jones is 6’6 and runs a 4.4?
Al Davis will sign this guy in a heartbeat. Welcome to the Raiders!
He runs a 4.4, sure – but it is more like 6.3 when he is on the field with pads on with defensive backs draped all over him.
I’ve seen him throw passes in the NFL – for the Jags.
They did it twice, first one was wildly off the mark, the other one was completed, but it was right at MJD’s toes.
IF HE SIGNS anywhere – 1 year deal that won’t be renewed.
If Matt Jones,Is judged on his inability ,Then that makes him even better than others,Because he has fewer mistakes on the field. Given equal time. So Shut up Clayton!