Another former Jet

It isn't a surprise that the Patriots signed veteran running back LaMont Jordan. During the off-season they brought Kevin Jones to Foxborough for an interview and likely a physical as they wanted to gauge his recovery from off-season surgery. Ultimately New England passed on Jones and he signed with Chicago. A few weeks later, the Pats sign Jordan.

Given the choice between the two, I'd rather Jones. He's four years younger than Jordan and Jones is more explosive. I understand Jones is coming off of ACL surgery and he has a history of injuries in his short career. He's already been placed on the PUP list by Chicago so there's no telling when he will play. But I liked the idea of Jones sharing carries with Maroney. Both are quick slashers with the speed to break long runs.

The best I can say about Jordan is he's solid, but that's about it. He's not all that fast and he doesn't make a lot of people miss. He does hit the hole hard and is built thick to gain tough yards. But he's spent his share of time in the trainer's room during his career.

Besides health and readiness to play, I think the difference for why Jordan and not Jones came down to willingness to play a back-up role. Looking at Jones' situation from his perspective, I can understand why he'd prefer signing with the Bears because there's a better chance of becoming a starter with the Bears as opposed to the Patriots. Chicago released Cedric Benson and will start rookie Matt Forte. The Pats had a good 1-2 punch with Maroney and Sammy Morris when both were healthy. Jones would had been no better than third. Forte's back-up is The Other Adrian Peterson from Georgia Southern. A healthy Jones has a good chance of beating this competition as opposed to the Pats' backfield.

I'm sure the Patriots understood Jones' desires as well and wouldn't bring in competition to Maroney's job. Jordan would accept his place on the roster behind Maroney and Morris. It's a good signing to add depth to the position since both Maroney and Morris spent time injured last year. Now if one goes down, Jordan can step in and help keep the ground game productive and versatile.

And to BenJarvis Green-Ellis, aim for the practice squad. Your chances of making the roster just got a lot slimmer.

In former Patriots news, Philly CB Asante Samuel tweaked his hamstring the other day. Fortunately he should be alright, but I'm thinking what's up with Patriots players leaving and having bad luck? WR David Givens barely played for Tennessee after he signed with the Titans. WR Deion Branch had similar problems with Seattle, though health was a problem even when he was with the Pats. And Joe Andruzzi had it worse when he left. In 2007 he developed cancer while with the Cleveland Browns. Joe is winning his fight against cancer.

I don't have ill will towards former Pats. OK, a little for RB Curtis Martin, but I was mad at Bill Parcells for than anything else. But it is a strange phenomenon. It has moved beyond coincidence. I wish Asante a speedy recovery and a healthy season.