The Bills interest in adding a veteran free agent running back is proving to be no passing fancy. A little less than a week after hosting Fred Taylor, and a day after bringing in DeShaun Foster for a visit, Buffalo brought free agent running back Kevin Jones in for a tour of One Bills Drive Thursday.
Just 26 years old, Jones has battled his share of injuries including a Lisfranc fracture that required surgery late in the 2006 season, and a torn ACL late in the 2007 season. The injuries eventually prompted the Detroit Lions, the team that made him a first-round pick in 2004 to release him.
Jones (6'0" 228) eventually signed a one-year contract with the Chicago Bears last July, but was used sparingly as rookie phenom Matt Forte's backup compiling just 109 yards on 34 carries. Still it has been reported that Chicago is interested in re-signing the five-year veteran.
The Virginia Tech product exploded onto the NFL scene as a rookie in 2004 when he rushed for over 1,100 yards averaging 4.7 per carry and had five touchdowns. But injuries compromised two of his next three seasons.
But now two years removed from his last major surgery, NFL teams are intrigued to see if he can recapture his breakaway ability that coupled with his powerful frame made him a true home run threat on every carry.
A handful of other teams including the division rival Jets have been reported to express interest in Jones. Cincinnati and Tampa Bay were two other teams reportedly interested, but they have recently addressed their running back position with other players in free agency.
