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 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.

The Jets have been looking for a No. 1 running back since Curtis Martin was sidelined a year ago by knee problems. Martin is expected to retire.

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, becoming the second running back in Bears history to surpass 1,300. The other was Walter Payton.

He should fit well in the Jets’ offense, which ranked 20th last season, but got a spark from Leon Washington. Washington is only 5-foot-8, 202 pounds and not considered an every-down back.

The Jets recently waived Kevan Barlow and Derrick Blaylock, leaving them with Washington and Cedric Houston at running back.