Before today, the Chiefs only had two confirmed running backs on the roster in Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Derrick Gore. That is now due to change as they’ll be signed former Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Ronald Jones II to a one-year that can earn up to five million dollars:
Last season in 16 games (three started), Jones had 101 carries for 428 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 4.4 yards per run (T-33rd among other NFL running backs). Jones had ten receptions on 13 targets for 64 yards in the receiving end. With that in mind, here are my initial reactions to this breaking news:
Ronald Jones II: A Solid Power Back
Jones has shown to be a solid power back that can easily covert on short-yardage situations and be a vital player in the red/end-zone. As a backup behind Leonard Fornette, Jones was still able to put up manageable rushing stats, as stated earlier. In the three games he did start last season, he did alright given the attempts he got, with the most being 65 yards in Week 16 against the Carolina Panthers.
Jones could fit honestly anywhere in the offense; in terms of goal-line situations, I can see Jones being highly used. I can also see him being more of a first/second-down back. The Chiefs’ offense is unique, so how he’ll be used will be something to truly look at as we move into next season.
A Fight For RB1? Or A Running Back Committee?
We can already assume that the signing of Ronald Jones II excludes the Chiefs from re-signing Darrel Williams. But now, there is a shot that Jones could be the Chiefs’ starting running back once the season begins. Clyde Edwards-Healire may be in the hot seat for his starting spot from injuries to not living up to the hype of a first-rounder. Aside from two back-to-back 100+ rushing yard games last season, there wasn’t much that showed Heliare being that first-round value the previous season.
Jone and Helaire mirror each other in some ways. They are both solid power backs, they can both be red/end zone threats, and they both have shown that they can thrive in a more pass-heavy offense. However, Helaire is more of a threat in the passing game, which is paramount for this Chiefs’ offense. This also could be a running back committee-type backfield, much like we’ve seen from the San Francisco 49ers. There is a lot of variables that could happen with this signing.
What are your thoughts on the Chiefs signing Ronald Jones II? Leave a comment down below to join the discussion.
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