Green Bay Packers: Odds of remaining free agents returning
By Kenn Korb
James Jones
Starting simple here.
Coach Mike McCarthy discussed this back in March, saying that the team would be moving forward with their more youthful talents. Even if they didn’t, it would be hard to see where Jones could even hope to fit.
Before the draft, they had six players on the roster who should at worst be seen as having really good odds for a roster spot.
Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb are locks obviously; they are the best two receivers on the roster, bar none.
Davante Adams and Ty Montgomery are both young players who experienced some issues last season, but both can attribute those struggles at least in part to injuries. They are on their rookie deals, still have useable talent, and with better injury luck should be able to be positive forces in the rotation.
Jared Abbrederis showed capable of handling snaps in the slot with decent production, while Jeff Janis showed off his speed in making a few plays (once he got snaps) and being an absolute asset as a gunner on special teams. They stepped up big in the playoffs to help the Packers come oh so close to an upset of the Cardinals they had no business bringing to fruition, and that surely will hold some weight in deliberations.
As if those guys being here weren’t enough, the Packers added a player in the draft (Trevor Davis) who looks to have the kind of speed that the offense lacked last year — and that Jones is long past being able to attempt to provide. They also have a handful of undrafted (Geronimo Allison, Herb Waters, Devonte Robinson) and street free agents (Jamel Johnson, Ed Williams) to potentially challenge the top six for a surprise push onto the roster.
Even if injuries were to hit someone like Nelson again (knock on wood times infinitum), there are too many guys here who would provide higher upside to even really consider Jones returning.
He carved out a nice career during his years with the team, but Jones just doesn’t offer enough to be worth bringing back again.
Odds of return: 0%
Next: John Kuhn