Washington Redskins: Cutting Matt Jones an easy choice

If Washington Redskins running back Matt Jones wants out, it should be an easy decision for the team to oblige

Just two years ago, Matt Jones was a third-round pick in Scot McCloughan’s first draft in charge of the Washington Redskins. Now, Jones is a no-show at the team’s OTAs and reportedly wants out. Instead of letting this linger into training camp, the Redskins should cut Jones loose now.

The emergence of undrafted rookie Rob Kelley played a part in Jones’ unhappiness. However, Jones struggled with fumbles during his time as the starting back last year and rarely ran like someone who is 6-2 and 230 pounds. Instead of running over people, Jones appeared skittish and hesitant and was routinely hit in the backfield, losing yardage before he could even get started.

The Redskins also have outstanding third-down back, Chris Thompson, and drafted Oklahoma’s Samaje Perine in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Perine’s addition was the nail in the coffin for Jones’ tenure in Washington.

NFL.com’s Michael Silver reported that head coach Jay Gruden told Jones he was fifth on the team’s depth chart. While it’s unclear if Gruden actually told Jones that, the running back knew he faced an uphill battle to even make the roster in 2017.

Washington doesn’t need another headache, therefore, it should just cut Jones now and move on. The Redskins are not getting draft pick compensation for a player who, frankly, isn’t very good. In defense of the team, Jones should be at the offseason practice sessions. He doesn’t hold any leverage and should want to compete for a spot.

The Redskins plan to run the ball more in 2017 and Gruden loves Kelley. The second-year back from Tulane lost weight this offseason in anticipation of a battle with Perine for the starting job, per John Keim of ESPN. Kelley certainly had the right attitude when it came to competition:

"“It’s hard not to say you don’t feel some type of pressure when they bring another back in. But it’s the NFL, someone comes in every year to try and take your job. If Samaje comes in here and does what he has to do, it’s not his fault if he’s playing better. I have to play better than him so I don’t feel no type of way. It’s all on me.”"

Kelley may or may not end the season as Washington’s starting running back, but he certainly possesses the right mindset.

Next: Redskins: Matt Jones had his shot, but it's done

As for Jones, the Redskins shouldn’t let this play out. Forget trying to make Jones miserable. Washington needs to continue the positive momentum of a strong offseason instead of once again trying to make a player or employee look bad in the media.

Meanwhile, don’t be surprised if Jones is out of the league sooner rather than later.