As the season approaches TGH looks at the newest additions that the Kansas City Chiefs brought in via free agency. Running back Ronald Jones was brought in this offseason. Was he brought in to be a valuable back up or to compete for the starting role?
Ronald Jones II is coming off of his fourth professional season. He was drafted to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Jones didn’t see much time in his rookie season as he only played in nine games and had 23 attempts. Jones’ career took off during his sophomore campaign where he totaled 724 rushing yards and six touchdowns. During this time he cemented himself as a valuable powerful running back. In 2020 the Buccaneers saw a completely new offense come in with future Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady. This style of offense ended up helping Jones as he recorded his best year where he totaled 978 rushing yards and seven touchdowns.
Last season we saw Jones’ carries decrease drastically. He had 91 less rushing attempts than the year prior. This is mainly due to the increased role of Leonard Fournette coming back from multiple injuries. Jones took the backseat this past season. Jones coming to Kansas City proves that he wants to be able to compete for a starting job elsewhere.
Image courtesy of Bucs Report
As of now the presumed starting running back for the Chiefs is a third-year man out of LSU Clyde Edwards-Helaire. Edwards-Helaire is a promising young running back who adds loads of value in the Chiefs’ pass game but has been constantly taken off the field due to injuries. Because of this Jones and Edwards-Helaire may split snaps. But do not be surprised if Jones sees an increased workload as Edwards-Helaire’s reliability has been in question. Whoever sees the most reps will be helped out immensely by the Chiefs’ young improving offensive line.
Assuming that everyone stays healthy expect the Chiefs to utilize Jones’ large frame in special circumstances like third and shorts and goal-line situations. There is no doubt that Ronald Jones can handle the workload of a starter but his lack of production in the passing game in a very pass-heavy offense just might be the reason that he stays as a second option.
The newest addition to Kansas City’s running back room will be a valuable piece of the offense no matter how many snaps he sees. Jones is a hard runner who never fails to get extra yardage. He will fit into this offense and just be another big threat for the defense to worry about. This is a very solid signing by Kansas City as they might look to incorporate the run game into their offense more this season.
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