Jason

Jones

The Tennessee defense got its tail kicked in the trenches minus both Jones and Morgan, so this is a big help. Morgan, the more explosive pass rusher, is the weak-side end and should square off mostly with Ravens LT Bryant McKinnie Sunday. Jones is the left end, kicking inside to defensive tackle on pass downs.

Beat writer Jim Wyatt expects Jones to hit the open market, at which point Jeff Fisher’s Rams could swoop in for the steal. Jones was one of the brightest young interior pass rushers in the NFL two years ago before the Titans moved him outside.

Jones left St. Louis without a contract on Wednesday, and is visiting the Seahawks on Thursday. Capable of playing both tackle and end, Jones played end for the Titans last season, but is believed to be seeking an opportunity to return to tackle. With Mario Williams off the market, Jones is the top remaining free agent lineman.

LaCanfora concedes he should have said “possibly” rather than “likely” when discussing the viability of the franchise tag for CB Cortland Finnegan. This is the first we’ve heard of the tag for Jones. Expect both free agents to hit the open market instead.

Jones may see some time at end on early downs, but he will primarily be a pass-rushing defensive tackle. That’s his strength. “We’re hoping that we can really feature him in all of our nickel package stuff,” said coach Pete Carroll. "... We’d like to see him as an inside rusher for those packages and then we’ll play him some outside and times in some different spots that try to utilize his quickness. ... He’s got big-play ability to him.”

The sides apparently did not make progress toward an extension. The Titans want Jones to play defensive end, primarily, but he wants to be an interior pass rusher. The 26-year-old won’t struggle for suitors on the open market.

One of the market’s more underrated players, Jones would be reuniting with former coach Jeff Fisher while following teammate Cortland Finnegan north to St. Louis. Jones has expressed a desire to return to defensive tackle after playing end in 2011.

Jones may not get out of St. Louis with former coach Jeff Fisher running the show. One of the most versatile young pass rushers on the market, Jones will likely land a richer contract than expected.

It’s quite likely the Rams “remain interested” in Jones, but highly unlikely they have the money to meet his asking price after guaranteeing Langford $12 million. The Seahawks are now the favorites for the former Titan.

Easily the top defensive lineman left on the market, Jones will head to the Pacific Northwest after failing to reach an agreement with his former coach Jeff Fisher’s Rams. One of the more underrated players in the league, Jones is capable of playing both tackle and end, but prefers tackle. That should be where he suits up in Seattle with Chris Clemons and Red Bryant entrenched at end. A return to his preferred position could lead to a much bigger payday for Jones next offseason.