Ball security and health 'biggest things' for RB Matt Jones to win RB1 job

Feb 26, 2016

“The big thing about (Matt Jones) is, we’ve got to keep him healthy and work on ball security – those are the two things in the offseason,” Redskins RB Jay Gruden said. “I know [running backs coach] Randy Jordan will harp on that, and getting his pad level down a little bit. But health, ball security, those are the two biggest things.”

General manager Scot McCloughan, who drafted Jones in the third round last year, echoed Gruden.

“I think so,” he said of Jones' ability to take over as the featured back. “But he’s got to do it. He’s got to hold onto the ball. That’s huge for a running back. He’s a young guy that’s got a lot of talent. He’s got some really good ball skills but he’s got to stay healthy and hold onto the ball. But I feel really comfortable about him going into the season fighting for the one job for sure.”

Fantasy Impact:

Jones started his rookie season with a bang, posting 146 yards and two touchdowns against the Rams in Week 2, but ultimately generated just 3.40 yards per carry on 144 totes. He made a number of big plays in the passing game (16.0 yards per catch), finishing with 794 yards and four touchdowns. With Alfred Morris likely leaving via free agency, Jones has an opportunity to seize the RB1 job.

yesterday

Chargers to sign RB J.K. Dobbins on one-year deal

Tom Pelissero

yesterday · 7:45 PM EDT

Former Ravens RB J.K. Dobbins is planning to sign with the #Chargers on a one-year deal. Electric when healthy, Dobbins — who averages 5.8 yards per carry in his career — reunites with OC Greg Roman and can hit the market again in March.

Related Players: Gus Edwards

Fantasy Impact:

Dobbins has had poor injury luck in his career, but has only managed 234 total rushes since being drafted in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. This is a low-risk, high-reward move by the Chargers and might give them a runway to wait a little longer in the '24 Draft before they address the position.

Apr 16

Cowboys sign RB Royce Freeman

Todd Archer

Apr 16 · 8:15 PM EDT

The Cowboys have signed running back Royce Freeman to a one-year deal. Freeman had 319 yards on 77 carries with 2 touchdowns last year for the Los Angeles Rams. He was 3rd round pick of Denver in '18.

Related Players: Rico Dowdle, Deuce Vaughn

Fantasy Impact:

Freeman hasn't rushed for 500 yards since 2018, his rookie season. This shouldn't have any impact on the team drafting at the position and/or bringing back Ezekiel Elliott.

Apr 15

Eagles sign WR DeVonta Smith to three-year extension

Ian Rapoport

Apr 15 · 10:45 AM EDT

The Eagles have paid another big-time, rising player. This time, WR DeVonta Smith gets a 3-year, $75M contract extension that includes $51M guaranteed.

Related Players: A.J. Brown, DeVante Parker, Parris Campbell

Fantasy Impact:

Great news for Jalen Hurts and the Eagles offense as a whole. Smith will continue his 1b role in which he finished the 2023 season as fantasy's WR22.