Yes, that’s right: James Jones is once again a Green Bay Packer.
It feels like a long time ago that Jones was catching touchdowns in green and gold, but he’s actually just one season removed from suiting up for the Packers. Even after leading the Raiders with 73 receptions in the 2014-2015 season, Jones was released by the team in favor of focusing on their current youth revolution. He caught on with the New York Giants, but was cut this past week when the 53-man rosters were announced. Some might say it was perfect timing.
Jones was your typical Ted Thompson-drafted receiver, a seemingly inconspicuous third round pick out of San Diego State who went on to put up solid numbers in Green Bay. Jones played for the Packers from 2007-2013, peaking in 2012 when he started all 16 games and caught a league-leading fourteen touchdowns.
The implications of this move are pretty obvious for Green Bay. The Packers recently lost star wideout Jordy Nelson for the season to a torn ACL. Jones enters as a solid veteran receiver who is comfortable lining up outside the numbers, knows the offensive system and, most importantly, has established chemistry with Aaron Rodgers.
It will take a bit for Jones to get reintegrated into the offense, but in a month or so it’s reasonable to think Jones could again be the Packers number three wideout. Many forget that Jones still had a solid season last year, actually recoding a career high in receptions. At the very least, Jones will provide a stable locker room presence for the other inexperienced receivers and he will still be able to help move the chains.
Welcome back, James!
Image courtesy of packersinsider.com