Bears will reportedly trade Jones to Jets for second-round pick

CHICAGO -- The Chicago Bears reached a preliminary agreement to trade running back Thomas Jones to the New York Jets on Monday for a second-round draft pick.

A person familiar with the trade told The Associated Press the Jets will give up a second-round draft pick, 37th overall, for Jones, who rushed for 1,210 yards and six touchdowns in helping the Bears make the Super Bowl. The person did not wish to be identified because the trade has not been officially announced.

The 28-year-old Jones must pass a physical and agree to a contract extension before the deal is complete. The Jets also would receive Chicago's second-round choice, No. 63 overall, in the trade. New York would surrender the second-rounder it received from Washington in a previous deal.

Jones, who also has played for Arizona and Tampa Bay, had big postseason performances this year. He rushed for 123 yards and two touchdowns in the NFC championship game win over New Orleans, then had 112 yards on 15 carries in the Super Bowl. He has one year remaining on his contract.

The Bears have decided to go with Cedric Benson, their first-round pick (fourth overall) in 2005, although Benson has not done much yet for Chicago. He also injured his knee in the Super Bowl and had only two carries for minus-1 yard.

Jones, the seventh overall selection in the 2000 draft by the Cardinals, rushed for 1,335 yards in 2005.

Briggs wants tag lifted

Upset over being slapped with the franchise tag, Chicago Bears linebacker Lance Briggs told ESPN.com the team should remove the label or trade him.

The franchise tag guarantees Briggs $7.206 million next season -- the average of the top five salaries for players at his position -- but it also deters other suitors. The Bears could match any offer for Briggs or receive two No. 1 draft picks.

A third-round selection from Arizona, Briggs led the Bears with a team-high 117 solo tackles.

Broncos sign Hentry

It took Travis Henry only two days to get a job -- with a team that turns running backs into star.

The former Titan and Bill, cut by Tennessee on Saturday, agreed to terms with Denver, which has made one-year wonders of Olandis Gary, Mike Anderson, Reuben Droughns and others, largely because of its schemes.

Henry is more than that, having rushed for 1,211 yards and a 4.5 average last season.

-- The Associated Press