The Packers Worked Out Free Agent LT Levi Jones

by Brandon on Sep 29, 2009 1:00 AM CDT in News Comment 10 comments

The Packers worked out former Cincinnati Bengals left tackle Levi Jones on Monday, a source confirmed.

According to the Football Outsiders Almanac 2009, Jones "displayed all the mobility of the Roebling Bridge" last season, so this isn't a move to get excited about.

Wear-and-tear might have finally caught up to him, but Cincy Jungle says "Jones has been a shell for the past two seasons, in our opinion, and it was only a matter of time before he was replaced." It might have been injuries that led his release, but the Bengals blamed injuries for the release of former Pro Bowl RT Willie Anderson before the 2008 season, but he seemed healthy and started 11 games for Baltimore in 2008. The Bengals might have released Jones just to save money.

The big problem with signing him is that someone has to go to make room for Jones, and he's probably looking to get paid like he's a starting left tackle. Maybe in the range of $4 million (pro-rated) for the season. Greg Bedard said:

Should Clifton be injured further, the Packers might consider signing Jones.

That seems possible. If LT Chad Clifton re-injures his ankle, and has to be placed on I.R., they would have the roster spot available. And they certainly would have a need for a backup, or starting, left tackle. After Clifton and LT Daryn Colledge, the only other player who played a lot at LT in the preseason was Jamon Meredith, and he was just signed off the practice squad by Buffalo.

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the Packers have the money,

if they think he could help this team win, then dodgamnit sign the man!

Green and Gold / Black, and White

by OznCoop on Sep 29, 2009 8:05 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Does anyone else hear Handel’s Messiah playing in the background?

HAAA lelujah.

Hopefully this means the GM finally realizes he needs to get some talent in there or we are in SERIOUS trouble.

by TrevorR on Sep 29, 2009 8:51 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

TJ Lang played LT in college...

and took snaps there in the offseason. At least as many as Colledge did.

Not saying he’s a savior in the waiting, but it’s not accurate to say the only other possibility was Meredith.

And Levi Jones? No.

by RobertArthur on Sep 29, 2009 9:01 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

After more coffee...

I’ll soften my opinion of Levi Jones. If Clifton is a no-go for an extended period, he’d be fine. My mistake was focusing on the LT position. Jones would be a mild upgrade over Colledge in pass pro (although he’s a lot slower, Jones is more solid with his technique) but Jones would be a mixed bag in the run game.

But it isn’t about the LT position, really. If signing Jones would allow Spitz and Colledge to go back to their natural positions, then it would upgrade the line as a whole. I want to see Spitz back at C in the run game, for sure.

by RobertArthur on Sep 29, 2009 9:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I forgot about that

I was going to mention that it would help to get Colledge back to LG and Spitz back to C, but it didn’t make it into the above post.

Although I’ve never been a big fan of Colledge. I thought it was deserved when he got benched midway through the 2007 season. I’d be reluctant to make the switch to Lang, but the coaches can’t continue to watch Colledge get overpowered.

by Brandon on Sep 30, 2009 12:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I forgot about that

I was going to mention that it would help to get Colledge back to LG and Spitz back to C, but it didn’t make it into the above post.

by Brandon on Sep 30, 2009 12:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Giacomini

Giacomini would not be missed. On the other hand, if he’s still around, someone must like him, which makes it unlikely that he’ll go anywhere.

by uglyfatpimplynerd on Sep 29, 2009 9:22 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Hopeful Haiku

Chad Clifton might play
Flicker of hope for Rodgers
To make it through game
http://PackerHaiku.com

Clark Osborn - PackerHaiku.com | FavreHaiku.com | BadgerHaiku.com

by PackerHaiku on Sep 29, 2009 11:54 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Wouldn't mind

Seeing us sign Jones to come in and play. It would allow for Colledge and Spitz to move back to their normal positions (where they have graded out well thus far). At leats Jones was a 1st round pick and at one time was a very good player, and has experience. Putting Lang at LT can’t be considered an option. MM said in the offseason he wasn’t ready to play right away, so I don’t think throwing him in there against Jared Allen would turn out well.

by packallday555 on Sep 29, 2009 2:20 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs