The Redskins considered trading running back Matt Jones in advance of the NFL’s trade deadline earlier this month, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on NFL Insiders this morning.
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While Schefter’s report didn’t include what sort of compensation Washington was targeting, or what clubs may have expressed interest, it’s difficult to imagine that the Redskins could have asked for much in return for Jones. After beginning the season as Washington’s starting running back, Jones has since ceded his job to Robert Kelley and, after overcoming a knee injury, has been a healthy inactive on gameday.
In seven 2016 starts, Jones has averaged 4.6 yards per carry on 99 rushes while scoring three touchdowns, and he’s also ranked well according to advanced metrics such as Football Outsiders‘ DVOA and DYAR. However, Jones has struggled with ball security, having put the ball on the ground three times. He’s signed through the 2018 campaign with base salaries under $800K in each of the next two seasons.
If Jones continues to be a healthy scratch on gamedays — head coach Jay Gruden has said Jones will have to “earn his way back” — the Redskins will rely on Kelley, Chris Thompson, and Mack Brown in the backfield.
Green Bay needs him