FANTASY FOOTBALL NFL PLAYERS

Posted: 7/30/2009 1:04pm et

ESPNChicago.com reports unrestricted free-agent WR Matt Jones (Jaguars) said during a radio interview that his agent has spoken with the New York Jets, Tennessee Titans, Chicago Bears and Dallas Cowboys. He believes he will sign with a team sooner rather than later.

The Huddle Take: The Titans are hurting for receivers more than the Bears or Cowboys, so that's probably the team where Jones will land.

Posted: 7/16/2009 11:00pm et

The Florida Times-Union, reports free-agent WR Matt Jones (Jaguars) has spent more than $15,000 to train in seclusion with a team of specialists while at IMG Academies. Jones agent, Dave Butz, said he has spoken with several teams about possible interest in Jones, but nothing appears imminent. Butz said, "We've had dialogue with multiple teams. I think [his prospects for catching on with a new team] are excellent. We're excited now to find the best fit for Matt. He's scot-free as far as punishment and ready to have a great year."

The Huddle Take: When Jones has been on the field he has been a solid contributor for the passing game prior to his release from the Jaguars. Look for the veteran receiver to find another team in the near future as he looks to be ready to play and could pose as a nice No. 2 wideout for an NFL team in 2009. Fantasy owners should watch Jones the next few weeks to see if he lands in the right situation which could make him at least fantasy relevent once again.

Posted: 7/7/2009 11:15am et

The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reports free-agent WR Matt Jones (Jaguars) is free to resume his NFL career now that his graduation from Washington County Drug Court has wiped away a felony drug charge. Circuit Court Judge Mary Ann Gunn warned Jones Monday, July 6, that since he has completed the program, drug court is no longer an option if he is arrested again. Jones will remain in the league's substance abuse program until 2010.

The Huddle Take: Jones had his best season as a pro in 2008, with 761 yards receiving and two touchdowns. But a team would have to be pretty hard up at the wide receiver position to take a chance on a guy who is one mistake away from, at the very least, being suspended for a year. On top of that is the probability of some significant jail time as well should he slip up. One team that could conceivably be interested, however, would be the Cowboys, since Jerry Jones loves those Arkansas Razorbacks and that's where Matt Jones went to school.

Posted: 5/26/2009 11:58pm et

ESPN.com reports Dave Butz, agent for unrestricted free-agent WR Matt Jones (Jaguars), said the NFL told Jones he would be fined but not suspended as a result of his violation of a court-mandated drug program. Jones violated the drug program when he drank alcohol during an outing. Jones has been fined $50,000 but is appealing the fine.

The Huddle Take: With Jones currently a free-agent and looking for a new NFL team this is the best news that he could have gotten. Look for Jones to land with a new team soon as he could help to solidify a receiving unit looking to add another solid receiving option to its roster. Jones is a high-risk wideout but could surprise if he lands in the right situation this year. Consider him a decent No. 3 receiver with limited upside at the present time.

Posted: 3/16/2009 1:01pm et

ESPN.com reports the Jacksonville Jaguars have released WR Matt Jones, a league source told ESPN's Chris Mortensen.

The Huddle Take: Looks like the Jags are giving up on their troubled former first-round selection. This being the NFL, he'll find a second chance somewhere. And it puts a real emphasis on Jacksonville's need for a wide receiver or two in the upcoming draft.

Posted: 3/16/2009 10:48am et

The Associated Press reports Jacksonville Jaguars WR Matt Jones was released from jail a day early Saturday, March 14. Jones was ordered to stay in jail until Sunday, March 15, after he violated his probation by drinking beer. Jones had asked to be locked up rather than spending six weeks in a treatment facility.

The Huddle Take: No ruling yet on whether or not Jones' slip-up will cost him additional time courtesy of discipline meted out by Roger Goodell. But at least part of the reason he opted for the jail time as opposed to the rehab was a suggestion from the judge that six weeks at Trembling Hills might put a larger dent in his football future than a weekend in lockup.

Posted: 12/10/2008 5:02pm et

NFL.com reports Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Jack Del Rio made it sound in a radio interview like WR Matt Jones his a future with the team. 'He made the team, created a role and then blossomed. What we need to do now is build on that and go forward and continue to grow as a wide receiver ( a former quarterback now playing wide receiver ) and grow in that role,' Del Rio said.

The Huddle Take: Good news for those holding Jones in a dynasty league since he finally "got it" this year and stepped up his play unlike all other receivers for the Jaguars. His presense will be much missed the rest of the season but at least he should return next year.

Posted: 12/9/2008 2:34pm et

ESPNews reports Jacksonville Jaguars WR Matt Jones' suspension was upheld by the NFL and he will begin serving a three-game suspension for violating the league's substance abuse policy. Jones' appeal was denied by the NFL.

The Huddle Take: Reggie Williams and Jerry Porter immediately go a tick farther up in the Jaguar receiver food chain, while tight end Marcedes Lewis will likely get more balls thrown his way as well.

Posted: 11/24/2008 11:56am et

The Associated Press reports Jacksonville Jaguars WR Matt Jones' appeal of his three-game suspension will be heard Thursday, Dec. 4, in New York.

The Huddle Take: This should make Joey Porter happy. Jones is safe for at least one more game, but if the NFL acts quickly he could be gone as early as Week 14 against the Bears. If you've been banking on Jones as a starting fantasy wideout you'd better have a backup plan for the playoffs.