Ohio State Football: Last shot for Cardale Jones to make football a long-term career?

Former Ohio State quarterback Cardale Jones has a new home now in the NFL, but how does that impact his future?

During his time at Ohio State, Cardale Jones was always an intriguing topic to discuss.

From his Twitter statements to his on-field play, there have been no shortage of topics. As a former third-stringer to starting and winning a national championship, Jones had one impressive collegiate career! Don’t forget he never lost in college too.

Well, as great as his college career was, things have not worked out for Jones in the NFL. He was a fourth round pick of the Buffalo Bills in 2016, but after changes in the front office and coaching staff (not to mention the fact that they keep adding to the quarterback position), any chance of success there was going to be hard to achieve.

Per pro-football-reference.com, Jones appeared in just one game last season where he went six for 11 for 96 yards and interception. Buffalo has Tyrod Taylor as their starter and it is unlikely that will change soon barring a horrible 2017 season.

Ohio State has excelled in terms of the number of success players who are stars in the NFL. However, not many did not play quarterback. Things could change though now.

According to ESPN‘s Adam Schefter, Buffalo has moved on from Jones. The former Ohio State signal-caller has been traded to the Los Angeles Chargers for a conditional seventh round pick.

Bills are getting a conditional 7th-round draft pick from Chargers in return for QB Cardale Jones, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 26, 2017

The Chargers have been looking for backup help. They recently worked out former Cleveland Browns quarterback Robert Griffin III, but no contract was signed.

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Instead, former Buffalo offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn is now the head coach of the Chargers. He knows what Jones can do. As the newest backup, Lynn should be able to help Jones adapt quickly in his role.

Jones will backup Philip Rivers. There will be no pressure for him to play this season. However, Jones does need to show that he is progressing behind the scenes this fall. Should Jones fail to do that, the answer at quarterback could become an unknown in or after the 2018 season should Rivers decide to retire.

At least for this season and possibly 2018, Jones’ progress will be key. Being dealt to a team that also has a big armed quarterback he can learn from, to go along with a good running game and solid wide receiving corp is the best scenario Jones could ask for.

This is his chance; This is an opportunity for Jones to prove to many that he can be a NFL quarterback. Should he do that, Jones would have earned the reigns to replace Rivers down the road.

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If for some reason Jones fails to improve, the rookie contract he signed could be his only signed contract. For Buckeyes fans, Jones’ situation in LA is definitely a thing to keep a close eye for the future.

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