Blue Bombers agree to terms with linebacker Tony Jones on two-year extension

ModAdmin · December 04, 2024, 05:51:41 PM

Blue Bombers agree to terms with linebacker Tony Jones on two-year extension

WINNIPEG, MB., December 4, 2024 – The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today announce the club has signed American linebacker Tony Jones to a two-year contract extension.

Jones was scheduled to become a Canadian Football League free agent in February.

Jones (6-2, 235, Texas Tech; born: August 5, 1995, in Casselberry, FL.) signed with the Blue Bombers on June 9th this year after being released by the Edmonton Elks during training camp and made an immediate impression.

He made his Blue Bomber debut in July in Saskatchewan as a reserve defender and then showed his value and his versatility by starting the next 11 games for the club – plus the Western Final and 111th Grey Cup -- at both weak-side and middle linebacker.

Despite playing in just 12 regular-season games Jones finished third on the team with 60 total tackles with 49 on defence and 11 more on special teams, while adding an interception, a forced fumble and a fumble return.

Jones has now suited up for 32 CFL games, including 20 during his days with the Elks.

He enjoyed a four-year collegiate career split between Butler Community College (NJCAA) (2015-2016) and Texas Tech (2017-2018). Jones appeared in 24 Division 1 games, starting in five of them, recording one interception, 77 total tackles, 14 tackle-for-losses, three knockdowns, three fumble recoveries, and eight sacks.

Jones saw action in the Indoor Football League (IFL) for the Iowa Barnstormers (2021), ending the season on the First team All-IFL, All-Rookie Team, and was awarded Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Sir Blue and Gold · December 04, 2024, 05:56:47 PM

It's good to see we are prioritizing the right linebacker for 2025.

Blueforlife · December 04, 2024, 06:02:22 PM

Key cog on the D wheel

https://www.bluebombers.com/2024/12/04/back-on-board-tony-jones-signs-two-year-extension/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1oJ0VBs0gzIaycqKgtc_Wkrsz7puqbw4D3a61EIDtZgfj29RK61CI0wVw_aem_UUG0dTMOrcEluyymKK5jww

Throw Long Bannatyne · December 04, 2024, 06:04:33 PM

Great job, Walters maintained excellence at MLB while lowering the age and the pay scale. No need to shop for an expensive FA if you can raise them internally.

Pigskin · December 04, 2024, 06:35:56 PM

Jones was impressive from the first day he arrived at practice. However, without the Wilson/Bighill injuries, probably he sits on the PR all year long. Very nice signing.

markf · December 04, 2024, 08:52:42 PM

am I wrong in thinking he was really smart on the field?

ie seemed to be in the right place and was also a very good tackler.

great find.

Blue In BC · December 04, 2024, 09:05:31 PM

Quote from: markf on December 04, 2024, 08:52:42 PMam I wrong in thinking he was really smart on the field?

ie seemed to be in the right place and was also a very good tackler.

great find.

He seemed to have a really high football IQ and has the physical ability to make an impact. As the season progressed and he got more playing time he came into his own. He can play at MLB or WIL which is an advantage in any choice.

Throw Long Bannatyne · December 05, 2024, 02:34:16 AM

Quote from: Blue In BC on December 04, 2024, 09:05:31 PMHe seemed to have a really high football IQ and has the physical ability to make an impact. As the season progressed and he got more playing time he came into his own. He can play at MLB or WIL which is an advantage in any choice.

Hard to tell, he's receiving signals for each play from the sidelines, haven't noticed him directing other players like Bighill does, but that's asking way too much for a first year player.

Lincoln Locomotive · December 05, 2024, 03:50:43 AM

Good signing.....Imthink he has potential to be an all-star in this league.

Blue In BC · December 05, 2024, 01:04:19 PM

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on December 05, 2024, 02:34:16 AMHard to tell, he's receiving signals for each play from the sidelines, haven't noticed him directing other players like Bighill does, but that's asking way too much for a first year player.

Play calls come from the sideline but he showed the ability to react to what was happening. Being able to communicate with the rest of the defence as a leader may take a little longer. However, he did have some time in Edmonton as a starter and is not a CFL rookie.

TecnoGenius · December 05, 2024, 08:37:59 PM

Quote from: markf on December 04, 2024, 08:52:42 PMam I wrong in thinking he was really smart on the field?

ie seemed to be in the right place and was also a very good tackler.

great find.

Jury is still out on his cerebral-ness, IMHO. However, he's proven effective at finding the ball and executing his tackles.

Whether he's also being "the QB of the D" or not... hard to say. The other vets may have been taking on more of that role.

We do have to admit there were many points in the GC when the D was in complete disarray and TOR was taking advantage. Would that have happened had Biggie been in? Also hard to say.

But there's nothing stopping Jones from improving, or us working around any limitation.

All that aside, there's no other "new" player I wanted to retain as badly as Jones. And to ink him for 2 is showing great foresight. If we need WILL or SAM to be the "QB of the D" for a while, then so be it. And if anyone can coach up Jones to be even better/smarter, it's MOS (and Younger).