Chicago Bears Free Agency Sign or Pass: Marvin Jones
The Detroit Lions appear to be going through a rebuild. That means that veteran wide receiver Marvin Jones will be testing the market in free agency. The Chicago Bears have seen him often with nine games over the past five years. The last time they saw Jones he put up 116 yards on eight receptions, including a touchdown against Kyle Fuller.
The Bears know him well and have a need at wide receiver. Does he fit what they are looking for, or should they move to another free agent?
Projecting a contract for Marvin Jones in NFL free agency
Pro Football Focus thought that Jones was valued at $9 million per year, and expect 3 years, and $27 million in free agency. Spotrac is pretty close, expecting him to see three years, $31 million, at $10 million per year. However, based on last season, Over the Cap has him valued at $13 million. So, would he be a steal at the $9-10 million range over three years?
Chicago Bears should sign Marvin Jones in free agency
Allen Robinson is expected to leave in free agency and he is expected to get $20 million on an open market. The Bears could franchise tag him at around $16 million but that is for one year with a disgruntled player.
The Bears could see Jones as $10-11 million cheaper than Robinson, and add to other positions. Jones is a big-play threat who does change field position, and games altogether.
Jones had 11 receptions over 20 yards for 301 yards on 27 targets. Darnell Mooney had four receptions on 23 targets traveling that far for comparisons. He comes down with the big play jump balls.
The Bears have a lot of players who move lateral, but not enough vertical to the offense. Jones showed when Kenny Golladay went down that he can still create for himself with all attention on him, and Jones can help open up Mooney, which could, in turn, open things back up for Jones.
Chicago Bears should pass on Marvin Jones in free agency
Jones had to move into the “X” role which Golladay injured, but at his best, he is a “Z” receiver who stretches the field. This is a role too similar to Mooney. Jones performed better last year but had Matthew Stafford, and Mooney was a rookie. Jones did have a further depth of target than Mooney. The expectation is that Mooney will start to be the player that Jones was.
Speaking of “was” Jones is 31 years old. If they went from Robinson to a younger wideout, that Is fine, but Jone’s best play is behind him. He is a nice compliment, but not a receiver that you build the room around.
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The Bears need someone to work the intermediate areas of the field and make the chain moving receptions. Jones is a great compliment, but an aging one who is a bit too redundant for the offense.