Indianapolis Colts: Will Arthur Jones Make The Final Roster?
The Indianapolis Colts signed defensive linemen Arthur Jones during the 2014 free agency period. Two years removed from the signing, and Jones’s time with the Colts has been a major disappointment as he’s struggled to stay healthy.
Indianapolis Colts General Manager Ryan Grigson signed Jones to a five-year, $33-million deal in March of 2014 with hopes that Jones could help anchor the defensive line and put pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
As the 2016 NFL season approaches, questions may begin to arise in terms of Jones making the team’s final roster before the Colts’ week-one matchup against the Detroit Lions.
Bleacher Report’s Russell S. Baxter discussed the best player on each NFL roster that could be cut this offseason — and has the Colts cutting ties with Jones.
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Baxter’s reasoning for Grigson and head coach Chuck Pagano releasing Jones prior to the start of the season:
"In 2014, Grigson signed former Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Arthur Jones to a five-year, $33 million deal. It hasn’t worked out to date. He played in only nine games for the Colts that first season, logging 23 tackles and 1.5 sacks. He missed all of 2015 after suffering torn ligaments in his ankle during the preseason."
To say that Jones has been a disappointing signing is an understatement. Despite Jones taking a $2-million pay cut for 2016, he may remain too much of a burden for a Colts roster that has some young talent amongst the defensive line, as Baxter explains:
"With 2016 fourth-round pick Hassan Ridgeway waiting in the wings, a parting of the ways with Jones is possible. All told, this has been a disappointing Colts defense that must turn the corner soon."
With Ridgeway perhaps waiting for his time to shine on the Colts defense with his potential, the Colts could very well grow impatient with Jones’s inability to produce and stay on the filed on a consistent basis — which could lead to his departure from the team.
Looking at the other side of things, Grigson and Pagano may decide to give Jones one last shot at seeing what he’s able to do in 2016 if fully healthy. Jones will without a doubt be on a short leash, however.
Next: Indianapolis Colts: Defense Must Take Pressure Off of Offense in 2016
Say the Colts keep Jones but he underperforms yet again, or misses an extended amount of time due to injury. It wouldn’t be much of a surprise to see the Colts give up Jones’s playing time to the younger guys with more potential — such as Henry Anderson, David Parry or Ridgeway.
Jones will need to have strong outing in training camp and possibly beyond if he wishes to remain on the Colts and live up to expectations.