A Straight-Up Trade in the NFL

[TLK]

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) -- Running back Thomas Jones was traded Friday by Arizona to Tampa Bay, marking the departure of another of the Cardinals' numerous draft disappointments.

Arizona got second-year wide receiver Marquise Walker in return.

Both teams addressed positions of need in the deal.

The Buccaneers could be facing a future without Michael Pittman because of Pittman's indictment on an aggravated assault charge this week. Pittman joined the Bucs last season after playing ahead of Jones with the Cardinals.

Arizona lost its top three wide receivers to free agency during the offseason.

``This is a trade that should be good for both parties,'' Buccaneers General Manager Rich McKay said.

``Thomas will have an opportunity to come in here and compete, and he certainly has the traits to be a productive player for us. Marquise was caught in a situation where playing time would have been limited and, therefore, this trade will give him a chance to go and compete for more playing time.''

Jones was the seventh overall pick in the 2000 draft.

But he couldn't beat out Pittman for the starting running back job and was hampered by injuries. His departure was virtually guaranteed when the Cardinals signed NFL career rushing leader Emmitt Smith in March.

They also have Marcel Shipp, who rushed for 834 yards last season, as a backup.

Jones started nine of the first 10 games last year and had a career-high 173 yards on 24 carries against Seattle on Sept. 15.

But he finished the season with only 511 yards on 138 carries and missed the . the last six games after breaking his hand off the field. He reported the injury Nov. 23, bringing his mother to team headquarters to back up his story that he broke the hand reaching for a telephone.

The team placed him on the reserve-non-football injury list Nov. 26 and refused to pay his salary the rest of the season.

Walker was a third-round by Tampa Bay in 2002. He came into the NFL with strong credentials as Michigan's season (86) and career (176) record-holder for receptions.

But he sprained his right thumb during the exhibition season, was inactive for the Buccaneers' first four games and was placed on injured reserve Oct. 1.

He faced an uphill battle to break the rotation next season playing behind Keyshawn Johnson, Keenan McCardell and Joe Jurevicius.

Jones said he was happy to be traded to the Super Bowl champions.

``The Buccaneers have a great organization, great players and great coaches,'' he said. ``Hopefully I can help the Bucs win another Super Bowl.''

Eds: Sports Writer Fred Goodall in Tampa also contributed to this story.

[bosshogg23]

He faced an uphill battle to break the rotation next season playing behind Keyshawn Johnson, Keenan McCardell and Joe Jurevicius.

If Walker couldnt beat out Jurevicius then what can you really expect from him?

Both teams had to be disappointed in the production from the 2 players. If I had to pick I would rather have Jones as a backup RB than Walker as a #2 reciever. But it isnt exactly a move that propels you to greatness IMO.

[Thomkal]

What a weird situation if Pittman ends up having to beat out Jones for the starting job again. As a Cardinal fan, I have to say I'm glad to see Jones gone and that they got something in return for him (unlike Boston and Plummer). Jones had to put up with an oft-injured offensive line with the Cards but only had very brief moments where the talent that should have been there with the #7 pick overall, shone through. The fact that the unheralded Shipp came in and did a better job than Jones ever did was the last blow.

Don't know how good Walker is, but god knows the Cards need WR's. Hopefully the trade will work out for both teams.

[kcchief19]

Scrub for scrub trade more like it. If TB has to rely on Jones as their RB, I'll take the under on the Super Bowl repeat. He's a fall back in the off-chance that Pittman goes to jail for being an ass.

[Hammer755]

Originally posted by Thomkal
What a weird situation if Pittman ends up having to beat out Jones for the starting job again.

It looks like Pittman may be suspended for the season.

Buccaneers: Another sign that Pittman is done: Jones acquired

News
Planning for a season without the services of Michael Pittman, the Buccaneers acquired his former teammate, Thomas Jones, from the Cardinals in exchange for receiver Marquise Walker, according to the AP. Jones, the seventh player selected in the 2000 draft, started three seasons as the team’s top runner, but failed to hang on to the job in all three years. Jones finished last season on the reserve-non-football injury list after breaking his hand reaching for the phone. Pittman was indicted on charges of aggravated assault this week, marking his fourth known act of aggression against a woman. He was suspended for one game in 2002 for a previous act. Walker was the Bucs third-round pick in 2002, and spent most of last year on injured reserve.

Views
This move solidifies our original assertion that Pittman will receive a lengthy NFL suspension. Barring a major transformation, Jones is worthless, and will not pass Aaron Stecker on! the team’s depth chart. Walker set many records at Michigan, and could be competitive in the Cardinals’ open tryout for starting receivers.

Granted, the story is from Fanball, who can't be considered the most reliable source there is, but it still sounds like a possibility.

[B & B]

Walker wouldnt suprise me to catch 50 balls this year. While I dont play fantasy football, this is a guy to keep your eyes on pre-draft to see where he lines up.

Really interesting for Pittman and Jones to reunite. The kid from Virginia ends up replacing the former Florida State scatback that Tampa seems to center their backfield passing scheme around. Stecker and Kirby also are known for the same.

[cthomer5000]

The trade will most likely end up being nothing-for-nothing, but both teams have nothign to lose and everything to gain with this one. Jones has stunk since day 1 in Arizona, failing to beat out Pittman (multiple times) and even Shipp last season. Walker has been in the doghouse since early last season, and just got buried on their depth chart.

Arizona is more likely to get something out of this, due to their completely empty receiving corps. Walker could realistically crack the top 3 or starting lineup, and give them at least 1 or 2 decent years before he's replaced - he should at least be functional.

Jones on the other hand will only get a shot if Pittman is in jail or suspended, and even then he'll probably have to really earn his playing time. Gruden loves trotting out 50 different backs during each game. (This guy is my 3rd-and-3 specialist, and this guy is my 2nd-and-7 back)

[Alf]

Terry Kirby looks like the future starting RB for Tampa Bay now