Great news for Mark Jones, the two-time Daily Times Player of the Year out of Strath Haven High.

Barring an unforeseen snag, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will re-sign the punt returner-wide receiver today.

Jones (5-9, 185) can help immediately, having had success during the preseason before getting caught up in the numbers game.

Why the Eagles didn't at least give Jones a workout is an issue for another time - maybe the next time they muff a punt. He's a punt returner, not a converted skier or wide receiver.

Jones, 26, is healthy again after fighting through a strained hamstring that limited him to just six games last year and 20 punt returns. Jones averaged 7.8 yards a return.

Jones has a history of making good decisions and securing punts. He's also best in space, where he can use his quickness and athleticism.

Jones averaged 9.6 yards on 51 punt returns to rank among the NFC leaders in both categories in 2005, the best of his three seasons in the NFL.

The Buccaneers selected Jones in the seventh round of the 2004 draft but he waived him just before the start of the season. Jones spent his rookie year withe the New York Giants.