Blue Bombers agree to terms with linebacker Jonathan Jones
January 30, 2025
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today announce the Club has agreed to terms on a one-year contract with veteran American linebacker Jonathan Jones.
Jones (5-11, 230; Toledo; born: November 11 18, 1997, in Ocoee, FL) joins the Blue Bombers after spending the last three years with the Toronto Argonauts (he was released on January 16th, 2025).
Jones appeared in 12 games last season with the Argos, six of them starts, and registered 29 tackles, eight more on special teams and one forced fumble. He missed the last five regular season games and playoffs with a hamstring injury.
Jones started games at both middle and weak-side linebacker over his three seasons with Toronto and appeared in 36 games with 88 defensive tackles, as well as 26 on special teams, eight sacks, three interceptions and one forced fumble.
Jones split his college days between Notre Dame and Toledo and as a member of the Rockets was named second-team All-MAC in 2021.
https://www.bluebombers.com/2025/01/30/blue-bombers-agree-to-terms-with-linebacker-jonathan-jones/
Anyone watch him much over the years?
He could be a good one for the Bombers. I'm still waiting to see where the dust settles with our LB's. I don't know if this is further indication we aren't expecting Ayers back.
Regardless, it could be the end for Cole either way. I felt he was behind Ayers. Now he's behind Jones as well?
Cole was versatile but there was a reason we've just added Jones too.
Quote from: Blue In BC on January 31, 2025, 02:06:53 AMHe could be a good one for the Bombers. I'm still waiting to see where the dust settles with our LB's. I don't know if this is further indication we aren't expecting Ayers back.
Regardless, it could be the end for Cole either way. I felt he was behind Ayers. Now he's behind Jones as well?
Cole was versatile but there was a reason we've just added Jones too.
Ayers must come back unless he signs a contract with an NFL team, no FA for him.
Quote from: Blueforlife on January 30, 2025, 11:32:20 PMAnyone watch him much over the years?
To be honest, I never knew he existed! Doesn't help having an uber-common last name.
It'll really suck having 2 dressed (and possibly on the field!) LBers named Jones! Oh well. If they end up making a good "team 100", it will be good marketing though: "Jones & Jones"!
I like that he's both MLB and WILL.
Plus... have we finally decided to "get TOR back" for sniping our players and spilling the playbook beans?? I really hope we give him a mega-debriefing on TOR's secrets to beating WFC consistently. 2025 is payback time!
Good pick-up for us. Haven't really paid him much attention but with experience at on the weakside and in the middle he's a good piece. Could easily step in and start over Kyrie Wilson as early as week one depending on how hurt he gets in training camp.
I like that he said "I can fall back to FS, or rush off the end".
Sounds like a Swiss army knife kind of guy, and the fact he makes ST plays as well, sounds like a fit for MOS and Younger.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 31, 2025, 02:57:14 AMAyers must come back unless he signs a contract with an NFL team, no FA for him.
Yes, but it's still possible he does get an NFL offer. It may be small at the moment, so who knows until the window passes.
Quote from: Blue In BC on January 31, 2025, 04:46:09 PMYes, but it's still possible he does get an NFL offer. It may be small at the moment, so who knows until the window passes.
Today is the last day of the window, right?
Ayers should be back, Jones, Jones, Kramdi, Wilson... that makes up a great LB corps. Not sure if we resign Cole now, though.
Quote from: theaardvark on January 31, 2025, 04:52:04 PMToday is the last day of the window, right?
Ayers should be back, Jones, Jones, Kramdi, Wilson... that makes up a great LB corps. Not sure if we resign Cole now, though.
The window (for those under contract for the 2025 season already) closes on February 11, 2025, at 12:01 p.m. EST
I'm not opposed to bringing back Cole if there is no advance money and his contract is reasonable. The catch is he probably won't accept a PR role if he doesn't win a spot on the AR from the get go.
At the moment I don't believe he would win that spot. However, who is to tell what early injuries we have in TC that might open up a temporary spot. That's a hard call for a player with CFL experience.
In that sense, his return chances are diminishing as we speak. There are some rookie LB's that might fit into that role.
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on January 31, 2025, 02:25:46 PMCould easily step in and start over Kyrie Wilson as early as week one depending on how hurt he gets in training camp.
Mega LOL
That's the spirit! Great optimism :P :P :P ;D :D
Jones: "This is the news I was waiting for and this makes it a great day."
✍️Ed Tait
https://www.bluebombers.com/2025/01/30/jones-this-is-the-news-i-was-waiting-for-and-this-makes-it-a-great-day/ (https://www.bluebombers.com/2025/01/30/jones-this-is-the-news-i-was-waiting-for-and-this-makes-it-a-great-day/)
https://3downnation.com/2025/09/29/winnipeg-blue-bombers-release-veteran-defender-jonathan-jones/
Well,that did not end well.
Bad timing for him I guess. In each of the past couple years he'd have found lots of opportunity but not this year with Kyrie Wilson and Tony both staying really healthy. Who would have thought.
Not sure why he couldn't be kept as depth
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on September 29, 2025, 10:52:13 PMBad timing for him I guess. In each of the past couple years he'd have found lots of opportunity but not this year with Kyrie Wilson and Tony both staying really healthy. Who would have thought.
Make a great points here!
Quote from: blue_or_die on September 30, 2025, 12:03:44 AMNot sure why he couldn't be kept as depth
No reason to let him go unless he requested it.
Quote from: Jesse on September 30, 2025, 02:00:04 AMNo reason to let him go unless he requested it.
We'll see if he lands a role on another roster but he's given up a chance at play off money at the moment. I have to believe he asked to be released for personal reasons. What those were we won't know.
Quote from: Blue In BC on September 30, 2025, 02:24:10 PMWe'll see if he lands a role on another roster but he's given up a chance at play off money at the moment. I have to believe he asked to be released for personal reasons. What those were we won't know.
Could be wrong but I don't believe PR players receive any playoff money.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on September 30, 2025, 04:35:44 PMCould be wrong but I don't believe PR players receive any playoff money.
Good point but there was always a chance due to injury to get on the AR.
Ya, he was basically here for when Kyrie got hurt. Kyrie didn't get hurt. So bye bye.
Now... watch a WSF/WDF/GC contender pick him up to get our full Younger wild & wacky playbook... TINFOIL ACTIVATED AND WAITING!
Quote from: Blue In BC on September 30, 2025, 04:40:19 PMGood point but there was always a chance due to injury to get on the AR.
I think it's likely he decided to leave on his own, hung around till the trading deadline hoping to be moved. Could have asked for his release earlier but it's not an easy decision unless player intends to go back home directly, often they have zero savings, can't work, and have nowhere to live unless they find a girlfriend to shack up with. While on the PR they have a place to stay with roommates and they don't have to worry about food, pretty much living like a student.