Levi Jones? Are we throwing every name against the wall?

by David Fucillo on Mar 24, 2009 10:03 AM PDT in San Francisco 49ers News

As we sit awaiting the decision of OT Marvel Smith, another name has quietly landed in the rumor mill. Late last week, when Marvel Smith came out for a visit, Barrows very subtly threw out this line:

If Smith isn't signed, another tackle to keep an eye on is Levi Jones, whose tenure in Cincinnati appears to be iffy.

Marvin Lewis has said that Levi Jones remains the starting left tackle. However, apparently there are rumors the team is actively shopping Jones. The Bengals are considering a lineman with that #6 pick, so it certainly could result in a Jones trade.

The Lions are supposedly in negotiations with 3 players (likely Jason Smith, Matt Stafford and Aaron Curry). KFFL is reporting that Smith is going to be their #1 pick. That would certainly affect the other teams looking at offensive tackles. With Andre Smith going a little haywire, it's questionable what happens once Eugene Monroe is off the board.

As the article above mentioned, the Bengals could release/trade Jones now and concentrate their efforts on signing free agent George Foster. The other option is making the #6 pick and if it's an o-lineman THEN trading or releasing Levi Jones. Since they lost Stacy Andrews they would certainly have a spot on the line for both Jones and a rookie. However, you usually don't pay that kind of money to a right tackle (an issues the 49ers could certainly face).

So the question is, would you trade for Levi Jones and what would you trade for him? The only mention I've seen of the 49ers was that Barrows post and then somebody asking about Jones in a Q&A with Barrows. Jones is certainly a very solid offensive tackle, although he had some injury issues last year. I don't know how accurate this is, but Rotoworld indicated the Bengals wouldn't face a huge cap hit by releasing Jones.

Jones seems to fit into that Marvel Smith category in terms of being talented but struggling with injuries the last couple years. I'd rather avoid waiting out a trade and hopefully just sign Smith, but sometimes beggars can't be choosers. After a couple of offseasons of relative success in terms of getting talented players out here (J. Smith, Clements), this offseason has included a bit more rejection than normal. Let's just get this one taken care of sooner rather than later.

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Levi Jones

would be a definite fill in at the tackle position. He has played in 14 or 16 games in all but three seasons 2008 10 games, 2007 13 games, and 2006 with 5 games. In this case with him being on the block and a possible release I’d dangle Roman and a 5th round pick. No one is marveled by his interceptions, but he has been said to have good leadership which is needed in Cincy. With the addition of jones our need for a LT pick would drop to 3rd or 4th round. Our focus could then be more on the pass rush and the running attack and wr core or corps if you prefer.

Picture this
Brown at #10
Brown RB UConn 2nd Rnd
Ramses Barden 3rd
and I smell playoffs!!!

KEEP HOPE ALIVE

by rlott#42 on Mar 24, 2009 10:42 AM PDT reply actions

I'm pretty sure...

… the Bengals would have much better options than Roman and a 4th round pick. First, some other team will likely put up a little bit more (maybe even a 3rd or 4th). Secondly, I think they’d get a lot more out of keeping Jones on the roster (as tackles have a hard time staying healthy 100% of the time, anyway) than they would with adding Roman and whatever that 5th rounder gets them.

by sfgfan on Mar 24, 2009 11:08 AM PDT up reply actions

I would go after him

well I would go as high as a third pick and roman and snyder. Anything higher than a 3rd pick I wouldn’t go but we should be inquiring!!

by rlott#42 on Mar 24, 2009 11:56 AM PDT reply actions

If he really is available....

… I’m sure the 49ers are inquiring.

by sfgfan on Mar 24, 2009 12:12 PM PDT up reply actions

What would you give up Sfgfan

by rlott#42 on Mar 24, 2009 12:16 PM PDT reply actions

Honestly?

First of all, I would part with draft picks and any throw away players (i.e. Roman), but I wouldn’t part with a player who can start at a thin position like Snyder. Secondly, I think giving up a third rounder may be plausible, as he seems like a solid starter and should be able to play RT.

Really, it all depends on how much base salary he is due for the remaining three of four years of his contract. If he’s making LT money, I’d offer less (i.e. a 4th or so).

In any case, it doesn’t really matter if the 49ers give up a third or a fourth, as Brown may provide more value for those picks than anyone they can take. They don’t have a really good track record with their later picks.

by sfgfan on Mar 24, 2009 12:24 PM PDT up reply actions