That's 3 starting linebackers. Now, if Holmes will sign on the dotted line, our starting linebackers will be assembled. http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/story.hts/sports/fb/nfl/1296633 LB Jones signs with Texans Former Bear probably will line up opposite Wong in 3-4 By CARLTON THOMPSON Copyright 2002 Houston Chronicle News Services Three down, one to go. The Texans agreed to terms with free-agent linebacker Greg Jones on Thursday on a three-year contract worth $5 million. Jones, who is penciled in as the starting outside linebacker on the weakside, joins Jamie Sharper and Kailee Wong in what is shaping up as a solid unit. The total of Jones' contract, which includes a $75,000 signing bonus, is misleading, considering the Texans are only on the hook for about $600,000 next season. If Jones, who wasn't a starter last season for the Bears, doesn't establish himself as a fixture on the defense in 2002, it's unlikely he'll ever see the last two years of his contract Linebackers are the focal point of Texans coach Dom Capers' 3-4 defense, particularly those who can harass the quarterback from the outside. Whether Jones can do that remains to be seen, but the Texans like his potential. Jones, 6-4 and 250 pounds, played defensive end in a 4-3 scheme during his last two seasons at the University of Colorado, compiling 15 1/2 sacks and earning second-team all-Big 12 honors. Texans general manager Charley Casserly drafted Jones in the second round of the 1997 draft when Casserly was the GM in Washington. Jones, 27, started 27 games at outside linebacker in four seasons with the Redskins. He was used mostly as a situational player in Washington, although he did start 15 games in 1999, when he totaled a career-high 68 tackles. If the Texans can add an inside linebacker to play on the weakside, their starting unit will be set. Former Steelers linebacker Earl Holmes is among the players they are considering for that spot. The Texans project Jones as a starter, but he also excelled on special teams in Washington and Chicago. But to earn the money he's due over the final two years of his contract, roughly $4.4 million, Jones will have to emerge as a key piece of the defensive puzzle. The Texans continue to be on the trail of another former Bear, running back James Allen. There is strong interest on both sides, but the Texans might have to wait out a decision on Allen, who is being pursued by other teams, including Cleveland. The market for free-agent running backs should become more clear now that Garrison Hearst, one of the hottest commodities at the position, has a new deal. The Texans' search for a veteran quarterback to play the position until likely top draft pick David Carr is ready continues to drag on with none of the available candidates actually looking like the front-runner. Jeff Blake visited Buffalo on Thursday; Chris Chandler has been drawing interest from the Bears. Meanwhile, the Texans will host quarterback Kent Graham and cornerback Terry Cousins today. Graham, an eighth-round draft choice of the New York Giants in 1992, just completed his 10th NFL season, his first in Washington, where he backed up Tony Banks. Graham has started 38 NFL games. Cousin, a sixth-year veteran, played for Miami last season.
Well, You can bet that somebody will want to play starting QB in the NFL. Graham is pretty sorry, but he can get the ball to an open receiver when given time. He proved that he could get Westbrook the ball in Washington. So he can play a little. I wouldn't mind him be the starting QB, but I wouldn't consider him a tutor. James Allen would be sweet. I could live with that.
