By now, someof you may know my philosophy on aging running backs. They're kind of like passing a hitchhiker atnight. No matter what they look like, it's probably best to keep right on driving.
The free-agent market for running backs will befullof big names such as LaDainian Tomlinson, Brian Westbrook, Jamal Lewis,Larry Johnson, Willie Parker, etc.
The Jets say they're adding Thomas Jones to the list on Thursday.
Yes, the same Jones who had a career-high 1,420 yards rushing and a career-high 14 rushing touchdowns on the No. 1 rushing team in the NFL.
But he's also the same Jones who turns 32 on Aug. 19, and the same Jones who is due a $3.3 million bonus if the Jets don't whack him before the start of free agency.
With Shonn Greene and Leon Washington, it's a no-brainer for the Jets.
No way Jones gets the kind of money I'm sure he's looking for in free agency. Sorry, but that's just the nature of the running back position. At running back, it's now what you've done lately, it's what do you have left?
It will be interesting to see how teams will judge Jones versus the Vikings' Chester Taylor. Despite the2009 stats that are lopsided in Jones' favor, I'd argue that Taylorcould be the more attractiveof the two.