Jacoby Jones: Broncos, Raiders, Chargers All Potential Suitors
By Joe Wedra
The Baltimore Ravens made a much expected move on Wednesday — releasing WR/KR Jacoby Jones. Below, we’ll take a look at a few AFC West teams (Broncos, Chargers, Raiders) that might be interested in acquiring a player that has what Jones has to offer.
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After signing a four-year deal just last offseason, Baltimore decided to trust their young receiving corps to get the job done in 2015 and beyond.
What Jones Brings to the Table
If you follow the NFL, chances are you have a pretty good handle on what Jones can offer. He’s one of the more dynamic kick and punt returners in the league. Ultimately in Baltimore, the two sides just weren’t a good fit. The Ravens’ team isn’t quite built to handle a guy like Jones, likely the reason they decided to continue without him.
Jones lacked big receiving numbers in Baltimore, and while many attribute that to drops, many of his issues came with a lack of connection with QB Joe Flacco.
Flacco likes reception receivers, something Jones will never be. His future in the league will be as a specialist who can offer a deep-threat in a WR3 or WR4 role.
Denver Broncos
The pickings are slim at receiver on Denver’s depth chart. No matter what they do in free agency, they could seriously benefit from extra help for Peyton Manning.
WR3/4: Cody Latimer, Andre Caldwell, Jordan Norwood
KR: Caldwell, Wes Welker
There’s definitely an opening here. The Broncos would benefit from adding an elite return-man who can also contribute in a limited way on offense. The best news? They could probably get him for a favorable price.
San Diego Chargers
Much like the Broncos, the Chargers may want to take a look at Jones not only as a kick returner, but as emergency help in the receiving corps. San Diego is going to add much better WRs in free agency/NFL Draft, but don’t be shocked to see them add a player of Jones’ skills as well.
WR3/4: Dontrelle Inman
KR: Branden Oliver, Chris Davis
This one makes a whole lot of sense. Depth is needed at receiver, and San Diego might just be an attractive landing place for Jones.
Oakland Raiders
Here’s a less obvious choice. Oakland has guys set for Jones’ role, so he may have to fight his way onto the field. However, if he did stand out in camp, he could get a fairly significant role in 2015.
WR3/4: Andre Holmes, Brice Butler, Kenbrell Thompkins
KR: T.J. Carrie
While not the target that is most likely at this point, the Raiders could emerge as a potential sleeper in this race.