The Eagles signed P Donnie Jones today. They released Matt McBriar.
Here is the Eagles write-up on Jones:
“Continuing an active 2013 free agent signing period, the Philadelphia Eagles added one of the league’s most accomplished punters in Donnie Jones. A two-time All-Pro selection, Jones agreed to terms for a one-year contract and replaces veteran Mat McBriar, who was released.
“Donnie Jones is a guy that we have admired over the last several years,” said Eagles general manager Howie Roseman. “He has one of the strongest legs in the entire NFL and we’re excited we had a chance to sign him. We watched a lot of tape on him and he’s coming off a very good season with Houston. We feel he’ll add a good element to our special teams units.”
A veteran of nine NFL seasons with the Houston Texans (2012), St. Louis Rams (2007-11), Miami Dolphins (2005-06) and Seattle Seahawks (2004), Jones (6-2, 221) ranks 5th in NFL history in both gross (45.6) and net punting average (39.0). A two-time, All-Pro selection with St. Louis from 2008-09, the 32-year-old Jones holds Rams franchise records in punts, gross average and net average. Jones is one of seven players in NFL history to record a 50.0 gross average in a single season, accomplishing that feat in 2008.
Originally a seventh round draft choice of the Seahawks in 2004, Jones has played in 135 career games and recorded 736 punts, including 226 downed inside the 20-yard line. In his lone season with the Texans in 2012, Jones set team punting records with a gross average of 47.1 and a net of 40.5. He also recorded a franchise-best 54.2 yards per punt against the Denver Broncos on September 23. “
We knew the Eagles needed to do something at Punter. McBriar was nothing special in 2012 and needed competition at the very least. Now Jones is the guy and the team can add a rookie or young player to push him.
Are you surprised we only signed him to a one year deal? I am certainly not saying we needed to sign him to a 5 year deal or anything like that, but does a 1 year deal suggest that while they like him obviously more than McBriar, they are not settled with him as the punter for this season or moving forward?
If they like him that much, they can extend him during the year, but after all, he is a punter.
According to Bleacher Report, Jones is the 3rd best punter in the league: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1444318-br-nfl-1000-punters