He's an immediate upgrade over Coles.
The Cincinnati Bengals were expecting to get wide receiver Matt Jones’ decision by Friday, and they got it.
The former Arkansas quarterback and Jacksonville Jaguars receiver has agreed to join the Bengals, in hopes that his great size and speed can bring a new dimension to a Cincinnati air attack that was severely lacking for much of the 2009 season.
The signing of Jones brings up talk of the Bengals signing another “convict” or “troubled” player, but after coming clean about cocaine allegations and serving a three-game suspension, Jones does not appear to be a significant risk, and even if he is, he’s being had for next to nothing in terms of payment.
Jones will (and should) undoubtedly be viewing this as his last chance to both make a name for himself as a starting receiver in the NFL, as well as simply continue to play.
He should be the early favorite to supplant current number two receiver, Laveranues Coles, and either allow the Bengals to release the disappointing ex-Jets receiver, or at least make a move to the slot possible.
Before his suspension at the end of his 2008 season, Jones pieces together a fine campaign, where he displayed the ability to be a regular and reliable go-to receiver, as he caught 65 balls and over 760 yards in just 12 games.
Jones should look to give the Bengals a much-needed weapon in the red-zone immediately, as well as the ability to stretch the field.
