NFL.COM: Felix Jones unlikely to earn big Cowboys contract

[WoodysGirl]

By Brian McIntyre
Around the League writer
Published: July 16, 2012 at 10:56 a.m.
Updated: July 16, 2012 at 11:14 a.m.

"Around the League" is taking a look at each team's salary-cap situation heading into training camp. Next up: The Dallas Cowboys (http://www.nfl.com/teams/dallascowboys/profile?team=DAL).

Contract Issue Looming In 2013: The 2012 season will determine the long-term futures of several former first-round picks in Dallas. Franchised outside linebacker Anthony Spencer (http://www.nfl.com/players/anthonyspencer/profile?id=SPE434038) is not going to receive a new deal before Monday's 4 p.m. ET deadline, so he'll play out the season under the $8.856 million tag.

Dallas' pair of first-round picks from the 2008 NFL Draft (http://www.nfl.com/draft/history/fulldraft?season=2008&round=round1#round1) will also be looking for new deals next offseason. Running back Felix Jones (http://www.nfl.com/players/felixjones/profile?id=JON313929) has been surpassed on the depth chart by DeMarco Murray (http://www.nfl.com/players/demarcomurray/profile?id=MUR580353) and the Cowboys are unlikely to break the bank on a new contract for him. Same reasoning applies to Mike Jenkins, a 2009 Pro Bowler who is now fourth on depth chart behind Brandon Carr (http://www.nfl.com/players/brandoncarr/profile?id=CAR347675), Morris Claiborne and Orlando Scandrick (http://www.nfl.com/players/orlandoscandrick/profile?id=SCA335249).

Read more: http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d82a94904/article/felix-jones-unlikely-to-earn-big-cowboys-contract-

[Boys122]

I like Felix Jones, always have, but let's be realistic here he's not beating out Murray unless there's an injury.

Having said this I don't think we extend his contract beyond next year.

[stasheroo]

I would agree with the trifeca of players listed who are likely playing out their final years as Cowboys.

However, I can envision possible scenarios where Spencer of Felix Jones woule be back.

If Spencer has a phenominal year (though I have doubts), and has double-digit sacks, I can see the team tagging him again, even at over $10 million. Or possibly tagging and trading him.

As for Felix, if he were willing to accept a committe running back role and the same committee running back money, I can see him possibly sticking around. But it will depend on what both he and the team feel his true value is.

I do not see Jenkins returning under any circumstances.

[Ultimategamer5567]

Felix is a good player, but he's also been inconsistent and has stayed injured. Still, when he IS healthy, and the O-line is playing up to par, he's given us that explosion that we haven't had in a long while. I would try to re-sign him, but only if it were to a cheap deal. He's no Adrian Peterson, that's for sure.

[ravidubey]

Felix doesn't have nearly the explosion he showed his rookie season. He lost that almost immediately and outside of one big play vs. the Giants in a lost season he's been average at best.

[Ultimategamer5567]

Felix doesn't have nearly the explosion he showed his rookie season. He lost that almost immediately and outside of one big play vs. the Giants in a lost season he's been average at best.Well, our revolving door of an O-line sure opened up a lot of areas for him to run through, now didn't it?

[Fletch]

I like Felix Jones, always have, but let's be realistic here he's not beating out Murray unless there's an injury.

Having said this I don't think we extend his contract beyond next year.

Garrett and the rest of the coaches and front office will be keeping an eye on our other back up RB's to possibly supplant Jones after this season.

[jnday]

Felix doesn't have nearly the explosion he showed his rookie season. He lost that almost immediately and outside of one big play vs. the Giants in a lost season he's been average at best.

You are right. I never liked him as a first round pick and I expected more. He stays hurt too often to count on him and he is not worth big money. I don't expect a big offer from another team, so he might be back on a small deal.

[Cowboys&LakersFan]

This is probably Felix's last year as a Cowboy.

[baj1dallas]

Felix doesn't have nearly the explosion he showed his rookie season. He lost that almost immediately and outside of one big play vs. the Giants in a lost season he's been average at best.

I don't agree with that at all. He's got plenty of explosiveness. He had a handful of pretty good carries before Murray came on and after the o-line figured out which way they were trying to run the ball. I think he'll be pretty good this year.

[Chocolate Lab]

I don't agree with that at all. He's got plenty of explosiveness.Same here. He was pretty explosive in 2009, averaging six yards a carry. Just ask the Eagles.

[newnationcb]

Same here. He was pretty explosive in 2009, averaging six yards a carry. Just ask the Eagles.

Count me in for this. I don't know what some people are watching really.

He had some explosive games last year also, around the time our O-line was coming into shape. I remember the Redskins saying they were more worried about him than Demarco.....and this was the 2nd Redskins game.

[CowboysYanksLakers]

I think the Cowboys will re-sign him to a reasonable deal.

[Eskimo]

I think we should make him an offer a bit below what sproles got. He is a valuable weapon to have and we will waste resources trying to replace a very undervalued player who won't break the bank.

[28 Joker]

Have you ever seen a hungry cat backed into a dark corner? I'm looking forward to seeing Felix Jones get his opportunities to run behind Dallas' new offensive line. I'm excited about Bill Callahan, too. Football games are played on the football field. They are not played on the computers of the national or Dallas media.

In 50 career games, including 2 playoff games, Felix has posted this:

488-2543-9 (5.2 YPC) LG 73T

594-3395-10 (5.7 YPT) LG 73T (Total Offensive Touches)

Among the running backs drafted in the first round of the 2008 draft, Felix Jones ranks 1st in YPC and 1st in YPT.


Felix has torched the NFC East, and he has destroyed teams at home. Here are those splits for Felix Jones; the numbers include 25 home games and 1 playoff game against the Eagles:


VS the NFC East:

188-1077 (5.7 YPC)


Home:

239-1460 (6.1 YPC)


Felix Jones vs the NFC East (Career YPC):

New York Giants: 5.1 YPC

Philadelphia: 6.1 YPC

Washington: 5.9 YPC

Feed Felix the rock!

[big dog cowboy]

I think we should make him an offer a bit below what sproles got. He is a valuable weapon to have and we will waste resources trying to replace a very undervalued player who won't break the bank.
Great point and so true.

[junk]

Have you ever seen a hungry cat backed into a dark corner? I'm looking forward to seeing Felix Jones get his opportunities to run behind Dallas' new offensive line. I'm excited about Bill Callahan, too. Football games are played on the football field. They are not played on the computers of the national or Dallas media.

In 50 career games, including 2 playoff games, Felix has posted this:

488-2543-9 (5.2 YPC) LG 73T

594-3395-10 (5.7 YPT) LG 73T (Total Offensive Touches)

Among the running backs drafted in the first round of the 2008 draft, Felix Jones ranks 1st in YPC and 1st in YPT.


Felix has torched the NFC East, and he has destroyed teams at home. Here are those splits for Felix Jones; the numbers include 25 home games and 1 playoff game against the Eagles:


VS the NFC East:

188-1077 (5.7 YPC)


Home:

239-1460 (6.1 YPC)


Felix Jones vs the NFC East (Career YPC):

New York Giants: 5.1 YPC

Philadelphia: 6.1 YPC

Washington: 5.9 YPC

Feed Felix the rock!

That's very interesting. Has he had a 1,000 yard season yet?

He has 9 career touchdowns (rushing & receiving) in 4 years.

He's still young, but he's been a disappointment for a first round pick.

[Beast_from_East]

That's very interesting. Has he had a 1,000 yard season yet?

He has 9 career touchdowns (rushing & receiving) in 4 years.

He's still young, but he's been a disappointment for a first round pick.

And to think Chris Johnson was on the board when we took Felix.

:bang2: :bang2: :bang2: :bang2: :bang2: :bang2: :bang2: :bang2: :bang2: :bang2: :bang2:

[stasheroo]

And to think Chris Johnson was on the board when we took Felix.

Along with two recent multi-millionaires in Ray Rice and Matt Forte.

[jnday]

Along with two recent multi-millionaires in Ray Rice and Matt Forte.

Felix can't stay healthy enough to be considered on the same level as these backs. I am curious about his pay level compared to them.

[ravidubey]

Well, our revolving door of an O-line sure opened up a lot of areas for him to run through, now didn't it?

It's a major problem, no doubt. But Jones didn't care his rookie season (when he was on the field).

He'd routinely explode for big gains from scrimmage and his kickoff returns vs. Philadelphia in just his second game were amazing.

Then he went all Julius Jones on us. It's eerie, the similarities.

But back to 2011, DeMarco Murray averaged 5.5 YPC behind the same OL Felix ran with, so it's difficult to use the OL as an excuse.

Especially considering the kind of back Felix is, he should thrive in an offense with the kinds of weapons the Cowboys have (or had, with Dez likely staring at a suspension) since defenses can't key on him.

He's far from garbage, but he can't either stay healthy or carry a full load and that's no good for a 1st round pick. Losing explosiveness on top of it (where did all those 56+ yard runs from scrimmage go?) doesn't bode well.

Face it, when you think of Felix Jones, are you disappointed, hopeful, or excited? Me, I'm somewhere between disappointed and hopeful.

[28 Joker]

That's very interesting. Has he had a 1,000 yard season yet?

He has 9 career touchdowns (rushing & receiving) in 4 years.

He's still young, but he's been a disappointment for a first round pick.

I have to politely disagree.

If you count the longest rushing TD in Cowboys playoff history, Jones has 10 career touchdowns. I give Jones credit for playing in 50 career games, and that includes playing against two playoff defenses (Eagles inside the division). Jamaal Charles has 14 total touchdowns in 50 career games (including 2 in 1 playoff game). Jones and Charles are very comparable players, too.

I think you undervalue and underestimate the explosive, efficient per touch value of Felix Jones. Felix has split carries in Dallas, and he played behind Marion Barber's huge contract, too. When the Cowboys have given Felix Jones the opportunity to rush the football in the double digits, Jones has delivered the the goods:

315-1593 (5.1 YPC)/ 22 career double digit carry games; including playoffs

In 2009, Felix Jones posted this in 16/18 games; including 2 playoff games:

146-902-4 (6.2 YPC) LG 73T

Don't the playoffs matter the most? Felix was the 3rd leading rusher in the playoffs (30-217-1; 7.2 YPC) despite only playing in 2 playoff games. Felix posted the 3rd best rushing performance in Cowboys playoff history (16-148-1) and had 178 total yards from scrimmage in the game (17 touches). Jones missed 1,000 yards by only 98 yards, and he only rushed the football 146 times. Felix may have missed the Chiefs and Broncos games, but he sure played against the Eagles and Vikings (in the playoffs). During that season, Jones ripped off runs of 56, 40, 46T, 49T, and 73T.

In 2010, despite running behind a significantly deteriorated offensive line, which saw 3 starters re-leased the following year, Jones rushed for 800 yards (185 rushes). Jones only averaged 9 touches per game during the first 8 games of 2010, but Jones hung 112-498 (4.44 YPC) up during the last 8 games. Felix was on a 1,000 yard pace during those last 8 games, and most of that running was done inside. The right side of Dallas' offensive line was horrendous, so Jason Garrett had to use the screen game to get Felix outside. It worked, because Felix caught 48-450-1 (LG 71T). Jones led the NFL in catch rate (92%), and Felix rated 5th in the NFL in Total YAC and 3rd in the NFC. Jones' YAC per target was 1st (ahead of LeSean McCoy). Those passes to Jones were an extension of the running game and were nothing but long hand-offs. This may have been Jones' best season, and Jones faced significant adversity on multiple fronts.

Not only has Felix Jones done whatever the Cowboys have asked him to do, Jones has excelled at whatever Dallas has asked him to do (running, receiving, pass protection, kick returns).

[28 Joker]

And to think Chris Johnson was on the board when we took Felix.

:bang2: :bang2: :bang2: :bang2: :bang2: :bang2: :bang2: :bang2: :bang2: :bang2: :bang2:


The Titans have pretty much run Chris Johnson into the ground. His head coach pretty much admitted that Johnson had lost a step due to the pounding of all those carries. We will see how that big contract works out for the Titans.

What about Rashard Mendenhall? I wish that I had a dime for every time someone in the Dallas media scolded the Cowboys for not taking Mendenhall.

Here are the Total Yards from Scrimmage stats and Yards Per Touch Numbers for Jones and Mendenhall:


Rashard Mendenhall:

946-4248 (4.49 Yards Per Touch)


Felix Jones:

594-3395 (5.71 Yards Per Touch)


*All playoff games included*


Who is the more explosive, more efficient player?

Which player fits Dallas' passing offense better?

[cowboys#1]

wow. demarco murray had an average year and he is not better than felix jones.

this is ridiculous

[28 Joker]

It's a major problem, no doubt. But Jones didn't care his rookie season (when he was on the field).

He'd routinely explode for big gains from scrimmage and his kickoff returns vs. Philadelphia in just his second game were amazing.

Then he went all Julius Jones on us. It's eerie, the similarities.

But back to 2011, DeMarco Murray averaged 5.5 YPC behind the same OL Felix ran with, so it's difficult to use the OL as an excuse.

Especially considering the kind of back Felix is, he should thrive in an offense with the kinds of weapons the Cowboys have (or had, with Dez likely staring at a suspension) since defenses can't key on him.

He's far from garbage, but he can't either stay healthy or carry a full load and that's no good for a 1st round pick. Losing explosiveness on top of it (where did all those 56+ yard runs from scrimmage go?) doesn't bode well.

Face it, when you think of Felix Jones, are you disappointed, hopeful, or excited? Me, I'm somewhere between disappointed and hopeful.


Bryan Broaddus (DallasCowboys.com) just wrote about whether the Cowboys front office would consider cutting Felix Jones before the season starts. He wrote about that and stated some other not true information about Jones. This is hardly a surprise from Broaddus. His extreme bias against Felix Jones makes you wonder about some things. You would fit in good at DallasCowboys.com. Broaddus, Eatman, Ellis...

[28 Joker]

64.5% of Felix Jones' career rushing yards have come in those 22 double digit rush games (during the last 3 seasons). Jones averaged 14.3 rushes per game during those 22 double digit carry games (2 playoff games included).

315-1593 (5.1 YPC)

[28 Joker]

Felix Jones vs the NFC East (Career Rush):

188-1077 (5.7 YPC)

Felix Jones vs the NFC East (Career YPC):

New York Giants: 5.1 YPC

Philadelphia: 6.1 YPC

Washington: 5.9 YPC


Felix Jones vs the NFC East (Career Total Yards from Scrimmage):

232-1502 (6.5 YPT)


*Philadelphia playoff game is included in rushing stats and TYFS stats*

[jobberone]

My only problem with Jones is durability. I don't see how anyone could question his running ability. I don't think we have used him very well in the passing game. I'd love for the team to be able to run decent screens with Jones.

Besides the durability he has the problem of being a RB. People just don't value RBs like they once did. I doubt they put out Ray Rice money for Felix and esp guaranteed money with his durability problems. If they can sign Felix for reasonable money then they'd better do it because it'll be hard to replace him unless we just get very lucky. Let me remind people Murray didn't finish his year. You need two good backs anymore and Murray and Jones are better than good. If Felix stays healthy he will be very productive for us.

[28 Joker]

64.5% of Felix Jones' career rushing yards have come in those 22 double digit rush games (during the last 3 seasons). Jones averaged 14.3 rushes per game during those 22 double digit carry games (2 playoff games included).

315-1593 (5.1 YPC)

Corrections:

64.5% of Felix Jones' career rushes have come in those 22 double digit rush games (315/488) during the past 3 seasons.

63% of Felix Jones' career rushing yards have come in those 22 double digit rush games (1593/2543) during the past 3 seasons.

In 6 of the first 8 games of the 2010 season, Jones only averaged 9 touches per game.

[28 Joker]

Jamaal Charles

Rushing: 508-3,109 (6.1 YPC) (LG 80)

Receiving: 118-1,061 (8.9 YPR) (LG 75)

Kick Return: 51-1,246 (24.4) (LG 97T)

Total Yards from Scrimmage: 4170

All-Purpose Yards: 5416

Average rushes per Game: 10

Rushing Touchdowns: 13

Games: 50


Felix Jones

Rushing: 488-2,543 (5.2 YPC) (LG 73T)

Receiving: 106-852 (8.0 YPR) (LG 71T)

Kick Returns: 53-1,298 (24.5) (LG 98T)

Total Yards from Scrimmage: 3,395

All-Purpose Yards: 4,693

Average Rushes per Game: 10

Rushing Touchdowns: 9

Games: 50


Felix Jones has accumulated 81.7% of Charles' rushing yards.

Felix Jones has accumulated 80.3% of Charles' receiving yards.

Felix Jones has accumulated 81.4% of Charles' total yards from scrimmage.

Felix Jones has accumulated 86.6% of Charles' All-Purpose yards.


*All playoff games included for all stats*

[RamziD]

I really hope we can keep Felix. He's a good fit for our offense (if we use him more!) and pairs well with Murray. You don't have to pay him like a #1 back, but give him a fair contract.

[Hoofbite]

Felix doesn't have nearly the explosion he showed his rookie season. He lost that almost immediately and outside of one big play vs. the Giants in a lost season he's been average at best.

For whatever reason I get the impression that Felix isn't in peak performance shape until he gets a few weeks in.

I'm not saying he's lazy but maybe he's just one of those guys who has to grind nonstop in order to stay at his best.

[Hoofbite]

Jamaal Charles

Rushing: 508-3,109 (6.1 YPC) (LG 80)

Receiving: 118-1,061 (8.9 YPR) (LG 75)

Kick Return: 51-1,246 (24.4) (LG 97T)

Total Yards from Scrimmage: 4170

All-Purpose Yards: 5416

Average rushes per Game: 10

Rushing Touchdowns: 13

Games: 50


Felix Jones

Rushing: 488-2,543 (5.2 YPC) (LG 73T)

Receiving: 106-852 (8.0 YPR) (LG 71T)

Kick Returns: 53-1,298 (24.5) (LG 98T)

Total Yards from Scrimmage: 3,395

All-Purpose Yards: 4,693

Average Rushes per Game: 10

Rushing Touchdowns: 9

Games: 50


Felix Jones has accumulated 81.7% of Charles' rushing yards.

Felix Jones has accumulated 80.3% of Charles' receiving yards.

Felix Jones has accumulated 81.4% of Charles' total yards from scrimmage.

Felix Jones has accumulated 86.6% of Charles' All-Purpose yards.


*All playoff games included for all stats*

Why would such an in depth look omit receiving touchdowns?

I've seen the comparison before and not sure why anyone would make it. I hope it's not some sort of argument FOR giving the guy a big contract. How each team views their respective player is likely so far apart the comparison shouldn't exist.

Without Charles, the Chiefs have? Not to mention they don't have a top QB.

Jones may not even be the best RB on the team this year.

Without Jones, Dallas still has a plethora of weapons and a very capable back.

[Wood]

Felix impressed me more last year than in any other year I watched him.

[D29Murray]

Call me crazy, but it just seems to me that Felix is the kind of guy that would want to come back to his team... and that would resign for a discount.

[28 Joker]

repost: In response to DallasCowboys.com

First, Felix Jones has "outstanding vision" according to former NFL scout Bucky Brooks (NFL.com). Lawrence Vickers has pointed out how Jones' vision helps him jump from gap to gap. Furthermore, Jones is a lethal jump cutter, and he can make multiple types of cuts on any given run (jump cut, running cut, and rounded running cut). Felix cuts at one speed, real fast. Felix may be bouncing from side to side, but he is coming dead at you, real fast.

Second, Felix Jones is an elite space player, and Jones is one of the most elusive running backs in the NFL. That includes tight space, space, and the open field. Jones uses his great speed and quickness and his elite acceleration through the hole and his lethal cutting ability and his outstanding vision and great instincts and underrated power to elude defenders and eat up yards.

Third, Felix Jones just needs a crack or a little bit of room in order to operate. I think Jim Brown or Emmitt Smith needed that, too. The play sure doesn't have to be blocked perfectly for Felix. That's absurd. I guess the extremely biased Broaddus missed Jones' 233-1250 (5.4 YPT) in 2010, and I guess he doesn't remember Davis, Colombo, and Gurode getting released after that season. He obviously will not acknowledge the huge impact that Tyron Smith had in the running game. Tyron re-opened the entire football field, including both edges. Smith is an elite run blocker.

Fourth, Felix Jones' most explosive plays in Dallas have come against heavily stacked fronts and crowded lines of scrimmage. Heavy run sets have been used.

Fifth, Felix Jones has been very successful when running out of 2 back and 1 back sets. The Cowboys 2010 FB was released, too. Deon Anderson certainly wasn't "the glue to Dallas' running game" as Broaddus deemed Fiammetta last year, but Anderson was a pretty decent FB. He did a nice job. John Phillips is a pretty decent F-back, too. (See Felix torch the Giants without the fullback, and watch Felix destroy Tampa Bay by running behind Tyron Smith (out of single back sets).

The Cowboys should extend Felix Jones now, and they could use Jamaal Charles' contract as a framework to work from. The Cowboys should commit to giving Felix Jones his touches in the running game and passing game, and they should demonstrate that commitment by locking up the 25 year old running back now. Jones shouldn't have to deal with this garbage, however, he is mentally tough and extremely competitive. I'm sure that he is ready for the challenge. Jones is, by far, Dallas' most underrated player, and he's the best player from Dallas' 2008 draft class.

Bucky Brooks gives you an unbiased analysis of Felix Jones:

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-playof...or-Felix-Jones (http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-playoff-x-factors/09000d5d815b6d16/Divisional-Playoff-X-Factor-Felix-Jones)

[28 Joker]

Why would such an in depth look omit receiving touchdowns?

I've seen the comparison before and not sure why anyone would make it. I hope it's not some sort of argument FOR giving the guy a big contract. How each team views their respective player is likely so far apart the comparison shouldn't exist.

Without Charles, the Chiefs have? Not to mention they don't have a top QB.

Jones may not even be the best RB on the team this year.

Without Jones, Dallas still has a plethora of weapons and a very capable back.


The Cowboys really have not used Felix in the passing game except when they were totally desperate (2010), and Jones was excellent and excelled when given a real opportunity. Your argument of this big separation between Charles and Jones can be easily countered by the very "weapons", which you cite Dallas as having and by how the Cowboys have used Felix Jones to destroy stacked, crowded fronts.

First, those receivers take receiving opportunities away from the Dallas running backs. What does Charles have? 7 career receiving touchdowns (counting his playoff game). With Romo at QB, Garrett has all those receiving weapons to dial up. There is only one ball, and I'm sure Felix has set up touchdowns or scores through his rushing and receiving.

The Cowboys are a high-octane passing team, and they do have a top-notch quarterback. However, you shouldn't try to diminish what Jones has accomplished based on that. Jones' most explosive runs in Dallas have come against heavily stacked fronts and crowded lines of scrimmage, and they have occurred out of heavy run sets. (ex. see Jones destroy Washington's 9 and 10 man crowded, stacked fronts in 2011)

Matt Cassel was good enough to make the Pro Bowl during Charles' best season (2010). Dwayne Bowe made the Pro Bowl that year. The Chiefs ran Thomas Jones more than Charles that year. They have been a running team, a blue-collar team. The x-factor for Charles in 2010 was the caliber of his offensive line.

Who was Jones' QB after Romo was hurt in 2010? Kitna...McGee... Dez Bryant didn't play after the Colts game; he was a rookie. Miles Austin dropped 11 balls in 2010 and had some bad mental gaffs. Roy Williams wasn't exactly a match-up buster and was on his way to getting released. Austin and Witten had excellent years in 2009. The TE has been the one constant, but when Felix is doing the bulk of his damage, Witten is usually blocking. Despite all the "weapons" you mention, opposing teams have routinely stacked the box and crowded the line of scrimmage against Felix Jones, anyway. The Cowboys have run Felix right into those stacked, crowded fronts, and Jones has torched them. Anyway, the "weapons" argument doesn't come close to holding up.

Importantly, you are leaving out the hard, cold fact that Charles played behind a significantly better offensive line in 2010 while Felix ran behind a significantly deteriorated, old offensive line in 2010. Most of Jones' running was done inside, between the tackles. Jones displayed his tough inside running. How many starters were cut in that line?

Moreover, Felix is outstanding in pass protection, so those things should be considered. If Tyron Smith would have been at right tackle in 2010, Felix would have most likely busted 1,000 yards rushing, even with the extremely poor guard play. Gurode couldn't get to the second level like he used to be able to do, either. I didn't see some "super fullback", either.

I don't know how anyone could not compare Jones and Charles if a contract negotiation was taking place. The numbers do most of the talking. The human element can be taken out of it to an extent. The players came out of the same draft, and they are very comparable players. Jones trails only Jamaal Charles in active career YPC among running backs (according to Pro-Football-Reference.com). Jones and Charles are the definition of explosive efficiency in the NFL (at RB).

A potential extension for Felix Jones should fall between Ahmad Bradshaw and Jamaal Charles, and it should be more than Bradshaw received and closer to Charles' deal, imo. That should be a bargain for the Cowboys.

I don't understand why extending Jones for around 82% to 85% of Charles' contract would be deemed unreasonable. Charles received $ 10 million guaranteed. Bradshaw received $ 9 million guaranteed. Charles has a cap friendly deal which includes $ 5 million in incentives. Again, the numbers do most of the talking and provide a framework for a deal. They take the human element out of it to an extent. Maybe the Cowboys think they have leverage in Murray, but Jones could turn that leverage on their head during the season if things align for him. Jones was very close to 1,000 rushing yards in 2009 and 2010 despite only accruing 146 and 185 rushes, respectively. Bill Callahan, a West Coast guy, knows a thing or two about getting players like Jones into space, too. Perhaps, Jones wants to bet on himself, anyway.

Felix missed 4 games last season, but he came back and was ready to go. He had only missed 2 games since early 2009 prior to his high ankle sprain. (High profile running backs were dropping like flies last year and some didn't come back at all, and the list is long.) We all saw what happened when the Cowboys started feeding Jones the football again, regardless of the media's biased denial.

Finally, it isn't Jones' fault that he received 5 rushes @ Washington (including two give-up draws/punts), 0 rushes against Miami, 6 rushes against Arizona (6-36; 6.0 YPC), and 4 rushes against the Eagles (4-24; 6.0 YPC). The Cardinals and Eagles are lucky Felix didn't hang 100+ on their rear-ends. Felix for sure had some bad luck last year, and he had to endure the worst of the run blocking early in the season and during that last game (Kosier was done and Holland was gone).

Anyway, it's a shame that the best player from the 2008 draft class might have to play on the final year of his rookie deal. How can a sub-par nickel CB like Orlando Scandrick get paid, but Jones (a RB) gets no security despite doing absolutely everything the Cowboys have asked him to do and more. Jones is a class act off the field, and he does everything the right way. Again, Felix doesn't deserve the garbage that he gets from the Dallas media or media.

Felix Jones is Dallas' most underrated player, and it isn't even close.

[junk]

I have to politely disagree.

If you count the longest rushing TD in Cowboys playoff history, Jones has 10 career touchdowns. I give Jones credit for playing in 50 career games, and that includes playing against two playoff defenses (Eagles inside the division). Jamaal Charles has 14 total touchdowns in 50 career games (including 2 in 1 playoff game). Jones and Charles are very comparable players, too.

I think you undervalue and underestimate the explosive, efficient per touch value of Felix Jones. Felix has split carries in Dallas, and he played behind Marion Barber's huge contract, too. When the Cowboys have given Felix Jones the opportunity to rush the football in the double digits, Jones has delivered the the goods:

315-1593 (5.1 YPC)/ 22 career double digit carry games; including playoffs

In 2009, Felix Jones posted this in 16/18 games; including 2 playoff games:

146-902-4 (6.2 YPC) LG 73T

Don't the playoffs matter the most? Felix was the 3rd leading rusher in the playoffs (30-217-1; 7.2 YPC) despite only playing in 2 playoff games. Felix posted the 3rd best rushing performance in Cowboys playoff history (16-148-1) and had 178 total yards from scrimmage in the game (17 touches). Jones missed 1,000 yards by only 98 yards, and he only rushed the football 146 times. Felix may have missed the Chiefs and Broncos games, but he sure played against the Eagles and Vikings (in the playoffs). During that season, Jones ripped off runs of 56, 40, 46T, 49T, and 73T.

In 2010, despite running behind a significantly deteriorated offensive line, which saw 3 starters re-leased the following year, Jones rushed for 800 yards (185 rushes). Jones only averaged 9 touches per game during the first 8 games of 2010, but Jones hung 112-498 (4.44 YPC) up during the last 8 games. Felix was on a 1,000 yard pace during those last 8 games, and most of that running was done inside. The right side of Dallas' offensive line was horrendous, so Jason Garrett had to use the screen game to get Felix outside. It worked, because Felix caught 48-450-1 (LG 71T). Jones led the NFL in catch rate (92%), and Felix rated 5th in the NFL in Total YAC and 3rd in the NFC. Jones' YAC per target was 1st (ahead of LeSean McCoy). Those passes to Jones were an extension of the running game and were nothing but long hand-offs. This may have been Jones' best season, and Jones faced significant adversity on multiple fronts.

Not only has Felix Jones done whatever the Cowboys have asked him to do, Jones has excelled at whatever Dallas has asked him to do (running, receiving, pass protection, kick returns).

I also have to politely disagree. He hasn't done everything Dallas has asked. He hasn't become a #1 running back. He hasn't exceeded 1,000 yards in a season once (that is only a 62.5 yard per game average).

You can post all the situational stats you want, but it boils down to a couple simple stats.

No 1,000 yard season in 4 years. 9 career touchdowns (rushing and receiving). 10 total career TDs.

Did you know Felix has as many fumbles as he does touchdowns in his career?

Lesean Mccoy had more TDs in his first two years (rushing) than Felix has in 4 years total (11 vs. 10). That doesn't even include McCoy's 17 TD season from last year.

He's a complementary player and has been a disappointment for a first round pick. Again, he just turned 25 so it isn't like he can't still grow as a player, but 4 years gives you a pretty good indication of what he'll probably be.

[Dino]

I am major Ark fan would I resign Felix

NO


No running back is worth giving a 2nd contract in todays NFL. They simply can’t live up to it after 5-6-7 years of abuse, and that 2nd contract becomes an anchor to his teams salary cap. You’re better off just drafting one per year (and not in the 1st round), riding them hard for 3 years, and then discarding them. I know it sounds cold as hell, but is damn near reality at this point

In the current 16-game format, a running back only needs to average just 62.5 yards to reach the barrier

[ravidubey]

For whatever reason I get the impression that Felix isn't in peak performance shape until he gets a few weeks in.

But this runs counter to his productivity in 2008, where he was outstanding from game 1 and then injured himself a mere few games into the season.

With him on the field playing at an outrageously high level Dallas was almost unbeatable when you added all that playmaking ability to an already potent passing game.

I think he lost confidence in the Cowboys OL and that made him run more tentatively.

The Cowboys OL has to be one of the worst I've seen in years. I mean, what the Hell? Talk about a rotten core, there is putrid garbage between the tackles.

Add to it Doug Free coming off a very poor year and I'm feeling very, very nervous. Tony Romo, the best player on the field, might not make it through the whole season as a result.

Dallas has to watch it or they may find themselves in the division cellar.

[Hoofbite]

But this runs counter to his productivity in 2008, where he was outstanding from game 1 and then injured himself a mere few games into the season.

With him on the field playing at an outrageously high level Dallas was almost unbeatable when you added all that playmaking ability to an already potent passing game.

I think he lost confidence in the Cowboys OL and that made him run more tentatively.

The Cowboys OL has to be one of the worst I've seen in years. I mean, what the Hell? Talk about a rotten core, there is putrid garbage between the tackles.

Add to it Doug Free coming off a very poor year and I'm feeling very, very nervous. Tony Romo, the best player on the field, might not make it through the whole season as a result.

Dallas has to watch it or they may find themselves in the division cellar.

Does it counter the rest of his productivity?

I mean, 2008 was 3 seasons back.

I'm not saying it's fact but it just seems to me he runs better after a few weeks into the season.

[Eskimo]

I am major Ark fan would I resign Felix

NO


No running back is worth giving a 2nd contract in todays NFL. They simply can’t live up to it after 5-6-7 years of abuse, and that 2nd contract becomes an anchor to his teams salary cap. You’re better off just drafting one per year (and not in the 1st round), riding them hard for 3 years, and then discarding them. I know it sounds cold as hell, but is damn near reality at this point

In the current 16-game format, a running back only needs to average just 62.5 yards to reach the barrier

Felix has had some durability concerns but he is one of the few RBs that can run inside, run outside, block superbly, be a threat receiving out of the backfield and return kicks. The last guy who I can think of that did all those things so well was Brian Westbrook from the Eagles.

In terms of the pounding, just look at how few touches Felix has had between college and pro balls because he has mostly been the backup most of the time. He hasn't taken many big shots. Quite a few of his injuries have been non-contact with the torn tendon in his rookie season, awkward landing on his knee to injure his PCL, AC joint injury at the start of last season followed by a high ankle sprain. So he has had no major irreversible injuries that make me fear for his future ability.

Now the kicker on Felix is he still is only 25 years old at present and should still have a few more productive years.

The question to me is cost. But look at all the negativity in this thread regarding re-signing a high character guy, great teammate who works great in a 2-back system that is popular in the league these days. Maybe the market value isn't huge for him that will lead to him coming back at a very reasonable cost.

We definitely should look into re-signing him.

[DFWJC]

The Titans have pretty much run Chris Johnson into the ground. His head coach pretty much admitted that Johnson had lost a step due to the pounding of all those carries. We will see how that big contract works out for the Titans.

What about Rashard Mendenhall? I wish that I had a dime for every time someone in the Dallas media scolded the Cowboys for not taking Mendenhall.

Here are the Total Yards from Scrimmage stats and Yards Per Touch Numbers for Jones and Mendenhall:


Rashard Mendenhall:

946-4248 (4.49 Yards Per Touch)


Felix Jones:

594-3395 (5.71 Yards Per Touch)


*All playoff games included*


Who is the more explosive, more efficient player?

Which player fits Dallas' passing offense better?

I bet Chris Johnson easily tops 1200 rushing this year and maybe more like 1500

He has plenty in the tank--the hold out, lock out, and offense change set him back last year. Plus he has worked out in Florida every year but is fully dialed in at Titans facilities this go around.

As for Mendy....nobody in the league takes Felix over him at this point, though that injury could change some attitudes.

And Ray Rice is great

[DFWJC]

"..........

[DFWJC]

Jamaal Charles

Rushing: 508-3,109 (6.1 YPC) (LG 80)

Receiving: 118-1,061 (8.9 YPR) (LG 75)

Kick Return: 51-1,246 (24.4) (LG 97T)

Total Yards from Scrimmage: 4170

All-Purpose Yards: 5416

Average rushes per Game: 10

Rushing Touchdowns: 13

Games: 50


Felix Jones

Rushing: 488-2,543 (5.2 YPC) (LG 73T)

Receiving: 106-852 (8.0 YPR) (LG 71T)

Kick Returns: 53-1,298 (24.5) (LG 98T)

Total Yards from Scrimmage: 3,395

All-Purpose Yards: 4,693

Average Rushes per Game: 10

Rushing Touchdowns: 9

Games: 50


Felix Jones has accumulated 81.7% of Charles' rushing yards.

Felix Jones has accumulated 80.3% of Charles' receiving yards.

Felix Jones has accumulated 81.4% of Charles' total yards from scrimmage.

Felix Jones has accumulated 86.6% of Charles' All-Purpose yards.


*All playoff games included for all stats*



Look, you've always been Felix' #1 fan and you write a thesis on his stats. I think he's very talented, but would feel much better about him if he were taken in a different draft or in the 3rd or 4th round.

[Hoofbite]

I bet Chris Johnson easily tops 1200 rushing this year and maybe more like 1500

He has plenty in the tank--the hold out, lock out, and offense change set him back last year. Plus he has worked out in Florida every year but is fully dialed in at Titans facilities this go around.

As for Mendy....nobody in the league takes Felix over him at this point, though that injury could change some attitudes.

And Ray Rice is great

Johnson has plenty in the take physically but how full is his heart?

Dude sat out, got paid and then had the worst season of his career thus far.

He seems like a guy who doesn't really care either way.

Sure hope I can score him a little later than where he went last year in fantasy drafts just in case I am wrong.

[DFWJC]

Johnson has plenty in the take physically but how full is his heart?

Dude sat out, got paid and then had the worst season of his career thus far.

He seems like a guy who doesn't really care either way.

Sure hope I can score him a little later than where he went last year in fantasy drafts just in case I am wrong.
They say CJ has been one the hardest workers and best teammates this offseason. The coaches and players have been raving about him. This is the first year he has trained on-site instead of in Florida.

Maybe he transgressed, learned a lesson, and has matured some. It happens.
It's not like he was ever a bad kid or anything...just a bit brash. He has never remotely been accused of being lazy or apathetic, but last year getting only about 1500 yards (1047+418) had to wake him up some.
FWIW, he had 680 rushing the second half of the season so he may have been adjusting to the new offense, FB, etc.

[Arkyvarminter]

You can tell by my sig pic I am a fan of Felix and I am from Arkansas. Felix has alot of talent and can shoot through holes with the best of them. He is really fast through the hole and can make people miss. His problem is durability, he seems fragile for some reason.

This season will determine what type of contract they offer him based on how well he does. If the injury bug bites him again he won't be offered much. But, if Felix stays healthy he will get alot of carries and he will gain alot of yards. I still don't know why they don't throw him screens in the flat, the dude is very dangerous in space. Felix is a really good guy and I hope the best for him. Oh, someone posted that Felix has slowed some, I just haven't noticed that. He looked really good last year.:)

[28 Joker]

Felix has had some durability concerns but he is one of the few RBs that can run inside, run outside, block superbly, be a threat receiving out of the backfield and return kicks. The last guy who I can think of that did all those things so well was Brian Westbrook from the Eagles.

In terms of the pounding, just look at how few touches Felix has had between college and pro balls because he has mostly been the backup most of the time. He hasn't taken many big shots. Quite a few of his injuries have been non-contact with the torn tendon in his rookie season, awkward landing on his knee to injure his PCL, AC joint injury at the start of last season followed by a high ankle sprain. So he has had no major irreversible injuries that make me fear for his future ability.

Now the kicker on Felix is he still is only 25 years old at present and should still have a few more productive years.

The question to me is cost. But look at all the negativity in this thread regarding re-signing a high character guy, great teammate who works great in a 2-back system that is popular in the league these days. Maybe the market value isn't huge for him that will lead to him coming back at a very reasonable cost.

We definitely should look into re-signing him.


You make some excellent points above. Jones will play at 25 years old this year, and he has extremely low miles on his engine. According to K.C. Joyner, most running backs, even the top ones, start dropping off at 1500 carries. Jones has only 488 career carries on his engine. Jonathan Stewart and Rashard Mendenhall are scheduled to be free agents, with Felix, and they have more miles on their engines. Here is how those career carries break down:

Felix Jones: 488

Jonathan Stewart: 728

Rashard Mendenhall: 874

These backs will be the top 3 free agents scheduled for 2013. Jonathan Stewart (Carolina) is another very underrated running back. Stewart shares carries with another good back (DeAngelo Williams). Stewart has only rushed for 1,000 yards one time, but he is a good running back. DeAngelo Williams is actually tied with Felix at 5.1 YPC (for his career). Stewart has been vocal about wanting to stay in Carolina, so he might not even hit the market. Mendenhall is coming off an ACL, and I don't know when he is even going to be back.

If Felix ever hits the open market, I think he will draw some solid interest. St. Louis, Detroit, Green Bay, Denver, New England, Indianapolis, New York Jets, maybe Washington, and perhaps the New York Giants. Jeff Fisher wanted to draft Jones, and Stephen Jackson has major miles on him and a big cap figure over the next two years. Hitting the open market may not be the worst thing for Felix Jones if you look at the landscape, and Felix is extremely capable of doing major damage in the 150-190 rush range. Felix has an opportunity to bolster his stock and keep his miles down. The more I think about it, it may be better for Felix Jones to take out an insurance policy on himself and play it out and hit the open market.

[RW Hitman]

If we could sign Felix to a reasonable contract, one that would not break any bank, then I would be for it.

You have to admit, he does make a good backup/3rd down back to Demarco.

[Eskimo]

If we could sign Felix to a reasonable contract, one that would not break any bank, then I would be for it.

You have to admit, he does make a good backup/3rd down back to Demarco.

The issue has to be cost. He is not an elite $8-10M/yr RB and he probably never will be as those guys need to be able to carry the load. Felix can't do it because his body will break down. He just isn't able to avoid the big shot and the awkward landings that ding up his body. At the start of the second game of the 2011 season he got popped by a 49ers player and his shoulder was an issue. Then he got his ankle rolled over in the game against the Pats trying to lunge forward against a tackle and was on the sidelines the next four or five weeks.

I do think we should be bidding for his services because he is a valuable member of the roster. I really think he should be in the $4-5M range per year and that is a reasonable offer to make. Him and his agent may not like the offer and could choose to play out the year and try their luck in the FA market. Some team may be willing to gamble that all his injuries have been bad luck and take a gamble but we don't need to do this because we still have Murray. But if we lose Felix I do suspect we'll have to be bidding in FA or draft for a replacement because I don't think Tanner is the guy. Maybe Dunbar has that potential but if he does he'll beat out Tanner for the #3 spot in TC.

[RW Hitman]

The issue has to be cost. He is not an elite $8-10M/yr RB and he probably never will be as those guys need to be able to carry the load. Felix can't do it because his body will break down. He just isn't able to avoid the big shot and the awkward landings that ding up his body. At the start of the second game of the 2011 season he got popped by a 49ers player and his shoulder was an issue. Then he got his ankle rolled over in the game against the Pats trying to lunge forward against a tackle and was on the sidelines the next four or five weeks.

I do think we should be bidding for his services because he is a valuable member of the roster. I really think he should be in the $4-5M range per year and that is a reasonable offer to make. Him and his agent may not like the offer and could choose to play out the year and try their luck in the FA market. Some team may be willing to gamble that all his injuries have been bad luck and take a gamble but we don't need to do this because we still have Murray. But if we lose Felix I do suspect we'll have to be bidding in FA or draft for a replacement because I don't think Tanner is the guy. Maybe Dunbar has that potential but if he does he'll beat out Tanner for the #3 spot in TC.

good post, yes exactly what I mean

[DFWJC]

I consider Felix a very efficient back.
His ypc numbers will always be high because he has never has had to carry the full load--which would include short yardage and goal line work, etc.

But he does deserve credit because many players in his role would not be nearly as efficient.

I agree that he can't command a Chris Johnson or Ray Rice or Peterson salary unless he can prove that he can carry that workload. But the man can play the position very well on a situational basis. For that reason, he would have plenty of interesst on the open market.

[rocyaice]

I'm not completely sold on Demarco and I have a feeling Felix in his contract year will out perform him. I know the Cowboys pray that doesn't happen because if it does it will put the Cowboys in a tough situation.

[28 Joker]

I do think the Cowboys value Felix Jones much more than some might like to think, and I think Jason Garrett values him, too.

On Talking Cowboys, Stephen Jones talked about Felix being in the final year of his contract and how it was "going to take resources" to re-sign him. He talked about how a player like Cyrus Gray could help "that situation" and help the organization "make better decisions".

Some have interpreted the Cowboys targeting Gray as a sign that Jones is for sure not wanted back in 2013. However, it sure sounded like Stephen Jones might have been looking for a little leverage in a potential contract negotiation with Jones. It sure sounded like Stephen Jones wanted to keep Felix if the price was right for the Cowboys. In my opinion, that conversation should be some evidence that Felix has more value than some think. Also, the Cowboys could have picked Gray earlier. He fell to the 6th round where the Chiefs took him. Jamaal Charles is coming off an ACL. The Cowboys used to have a 4th round pick as the third back, too.

Importantly, if you look back at how aggressively and consistently the organization (from scouts to the very top) denied the malicious Jones trade rumors, you will get a picture of a player who is valued by the team. Stephen Jones emphatically defended Felix from those vicious rumors while appearing on the radio, and some of the comments coming from the organization were emphatic in Jones' defense, too.

Some in the media or some fans may have already called in the hearse for Felix in Dallas, but that is just fine. Felix will be lurking and waiting for his opportunities this season, and Jones will do his talking on the football field, just like he has always done. This is a mentally tough football player, and he is being vastly under-estimated.

[28 Joker]

I do think we should be bidding for his services because he is a valuable member of the roster. I really think he should be in the $4-5M range per year and that is a reasonable offer to make. Him and his agent may not like the offer and could choose to play out the year and try their luck in the FA market.


I agree. Felix Jones is a very valuable member of Dallas' roster, and he is the most underrated player on the entire team. I would like to see the Cowboys make that type of offer and commitment to Felix Jones now, too. Felix is a great fit in Dallas. However, if Felix doesn't get an extension before this season, # 28 is still going to be in a good position to enhance his stock on the open market. The offensive line should be much better than last year, and I'd be willing to bet that Bill Callahan is excited about Felix Jones. Again, Felix will be lurking and waiting for his opportunities to explode. Jones sure knows about # 77, too.

Felix is like the hungry cat backed into a dark corner. I'm confident that # 28 is going to be extremely motivated and very ready to play football this fall. Again, Jones is mentally tough, and he will be ready to play, no matter what.

[28 Joker]

Here are the 2009-2011 rushing yards for Felix Jones and Jonathan Stewart:


Felix Jones: 2277


Jonathan Stewart: 2664



Here are the 2009-2011 rushes for Felix Jones and Jonathan Stewart:


Jones: 458

Stewart: 541


*Felix Jones' 2 playoff games are included in both the statistics*

[28 Joker]

Career Total Yards from Scrimmage:


Felix Jones: 594-3395 (5.7 YPT)


Jonathan Stewart: 812-4253 (5.2 YPT)


*All Playoff Games Included*

[28 Joker]

Career Total Yards from Scrimmage:


Felix Jones: 594-3395 (5.71 YPT)


Darren McFadden: 669-3818 (5.70 YPT)



Career Rushing Yards:


Felix Jones: 488-2543 (5.2 YPC) (LG 73T)


Darren McFadden: 553-2627 (4.8 YPC) (LG 70T)


*Felix Jones' 2 playoff games included*