Oct 25, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers wide receiver Jacoby Jones (12) looks on from the field during the second half of the game against the Oakland Raiders at Qualcomm Stadium. Oakland won 37-29. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Jacoby Jones, a name that is very familiar with Baltimore Ravens fans everywhere, was released by the San Diego Chargers on Tuesday. It is a sharp fall from grace for the 31 year old wide receiver and return specialist, who signed a two year, $5.5 million dollar deal in free agency with the Chargers.
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The move isn’t surprising, however, considering the fact that Jones has been one of the worst returners in the NFL this season after battling an ankle injury early on. Jones wound up appearing in only five games for the Chargers, returning five punts for -4 yards and gaining 193 yards on nine kick returns (21.4 avg).
Jones didn’t play a single snap on offense for the Chargers, which isn’t a major surprise. But it is a little surprising that they would cut ties with the veteran after losing number one wideout Keenan Allen for the season, and suffering injuries all along their pass catching corps.
Obviously, Jacoby Jones isn’t the answer at wide receiver for the Chargers or the Ravens. He isn’t going to come in and fill the giant void that currently exists on the Ravens depth chart. He may not even be a viable special teamer anymore.
So why bring him back? Simple – Jones was let go by the Ravens last offseason because he was too expensive, and his play simply didn’t match his production. If they can bring him back on the cheap, which is highly likely at this point, they should do so.
Jones isn’t going to be a top 3 or 4 wide receiver on their depth chart, but he does know the system. He can walk right in and provide valuable depth in case of emergency, and he can push Jeremy Ross for the returner job if he has any juice left, or just serve as a mentor.
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Jacoby Jones arguably has a bigger name than game at this point in his career, but he can still provide value to the Ravens at a veteran minimum deal. And if he proves to have something left that he didn’t show in San Diego, it will be worth every penny.