Adam Schefter of NFL Network reports that free-agent running back Kevin Jones, a first-round pick in 2004, will sign a one-year contract with the Chicago Bears.

Chicago was a no-brainer destination for Jones, given that the team dumped its own first-round bust of a back, Cedric Benson, in June.

The move conflicts with coach Lovie Smith’s subsequent comments, during which he said that the team had no plans to add a veteran tailback to replace Benson.

“We don’t have any plans to do that,” Smith said.  “From Matt [Forte’] to Adrian Peterson to Garrett Wolfe, to P.J. Pope, Matt Lawrence, we like all of our players and those are the ones that we’re going with.”

Whether it was a smokescreen aimed at keeping Jones’ asking price low or the result of a fears that Forte’ won’t be ready to be the Week One starter as a rookie, the team has changed course, dramatically.

Jones was released by the Lions earlier this year.  The finalists for his services were the Bears and the Steelers.