The New York Jets pulled a fast one on the Chicago Bears and landed themselves a running back.

According to ESPN, the Bears are sending RB Thomas Jones and a second-round pick (number 63) to the Jets for the Green and White's second-round pick (number 37). The Jets are also negotiating a new contract for Jones with "classy" agent Drew Rosenhaus.

This is an excellent trade authored by Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum.  Jones solves the uncertainty in the backfield with little collateral damage.  Jones has rushed for over 1,200 yards in the last two seasons and rushed for 112 yards in the Super Bowl against the Colts. 

Now, he resurrected his career in Chicago after a horrible stint with the Arizona Cardinals where he was drafted number 1 (7th overall) in the 2000 draft.  Still, I can't label him a complete bust with the Cardinals.  That's the place where first-round draft picks go to die (take heed Matt Leinart). 

Some fans and media were very high on the San Diego Chargers RB Michael Turner, but I think the Jones deal makes more sense.  It's a greater risk/reward situation with Thomas since Turner still has to prove he can be an every down back.  Also, the Jets would have most likely parted with two draft picks for the rights to Turner. Is Jones overrated?  I thought so going into last year, but after watching him during the season and in the playoffs I think he's a quality back.  Is he one of the best backs available this year? -- absolutely.

Also, the first few days of free agency in the NFL have looked eerily similar to MLB's free agency this off-season.  Players are receiving boatloads of cash and many have iffy pedigrees.  I wanted CB Nate Clements, but is he worth the highest contract ever offered to a defensive player (that's 8 years at $80 million with $22 million in guaranteed money)?  That's a big negative -- the guy is good, but he's not Deion Sanders.  The San Francisco 49ers are already in the lead to be this year's "sleeper" pick from everyone in the know (which therefore no longer makes them a sleeper pick).  And what are the Minnesota Vikings thinking by inking TE Visanthe Shiancoe to a 5-year $18.2 million deal ($7 million in guarantees)?  The guy has 35 career receptions!  The Dallas Cowboys signed OL Leonard Davis to a 7-year deal worth roughly $50 million with $18.75 million in guaranteed cash.  The Cowboys aren't even sure if he's going to play Guard or Tackle!

I had a feeling that the Jets weren't going to be a major player in free agency once the high scratch started to fly.  With this move, however, they really don't have to go crazy and sign lesser players to ridiculous contracts.

Now, maybe the Jets can work a deal with the Bears for disgruntled LB Lance Briggs.  How does a 6th round draft pick and a box of kicking tees sound to get the negotiations going?

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