*** DOLPHINS NEWS ***
Jun 10, 1998: -- LB Robert Jones Signed --
The Dolphins announced today that they have signed free agent
linebacker Robert Jones to a one year contract for undisclosed terms.
Jones, a 6 year veteran, was released by the St. Louis Rams last week
after the June 1st deadline for salary cap assessment to the 1998
salary cap had passed.
Jones came into the NFL in 1992 when JJ drafted him in the
first round for the Dallas Cowboys. He won the starting job that
summer at middle linebacker for the Cowboys, and started 13 out of the
15 games he played in that year.
In 1993, he only started 3 of the 13 games he played and his
production declined accordingly. However, in 1994, he had the best
year of his career, going on to be selected to the Pro Bowl after
registering 118 tackles and 4 passes defensed while starting all 16
games at middle linebacker.
He was signed as an unrestricted free agent by St. Louis in
1996 and started 28 of the 32 games he played for the Rams. Last
year, he had 78 total tackles, a sack and 4 passes defensed.
At 6'3" and 242 pounds, Jones is a good sized linebacker,
although not huge. He has spent his entire career at middle
linebacker and has also contributed on special teams.
My Comments:
Jones will probably be a backup at middle linebacker to Zach
Thomas when he first arrives in Miami. With the addition of Brad
Jackson this spring and the recovery of Ronnie Ward from injury, this
could spell the end of Dwight Hollier's term with Miami.
While Jones isn't exactly huge, he is bigger than the average
Miami linebacker at this point. He also plays special teams, which
should help him make the team this summer.
Adding a quality player to the team is always good news, but
you have to ask yourself how good Jones really is. If JJ only started
him for 3 games in 1993 out of the 13 he played, what is their
relationship?
There are also reports that Jones and JJ had a falling out
while at Dallas and if that's true, how will Jones fit in at Miami?
It's an interesting signing, but it remains to be seen if
Jones will fit in in Miami this year.
Now, maybe they'll also sign Greg Skrepenak.....
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Curt Fennell,
curt@phins.com, DOLFAN in New Rochelle (almost)
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