After an offseason that started off with the decision to let Lamarr Houston and Jared Veldheer walk then the Rodger Saffold, it looked like Reggie McKenzie was already about to earn the “Worst General Manager of the Year” title. Now things have turned around and Oakland has quickly turned out one of the best hauls in free agency.
After filling out needs on defense and continuing to build the offensive line, the Raiders brought in a very familiar face at wide receiver. Adam Schefter reported the Raiders agreed to a three-year deal with former Green Bay Packers wide receiver, James Jones, who McKenzie is very familiar with from his days in the Packers’ front office.
Jones returns home to California, where he grew up in San Jose and spent three seasons as the San Jose State Spartans’ leading wide receiver before being drafted in 2007 by the Packers. While Jones was never asked to really be a number one wide receiver, a position where the Packers have always had a wealth of talent, he has been a key piece of their offense over the past four seasons.
In seven seasons with Green Bay, he posted 310 receptions, 4,305 receiving yards and 37 touchdowns. He set a career-high in touchdowns in 2012 with a league-leading 14 touchdown receptions, and in 2013 he set a career high in receiving yards with 817. When Jordy Nelson and Greg Jennings were hurt Jones stepped up, even when he was battling injuries of his own.
The three-year contract totals $11.3 million, which is another great move by a Raiders’ front office that is trying to build a young foundation with veteran leadership and depth. Jones steps into a prominent role for the Raiders’ offense where he can provide a tough, physical wide receiver who can fight for contested balls, but also make some plays in the open field.
Even at the age of 30, Jones has plenty left in the tank and is what every young quarterback needs. If the Raiders take a quarterback with the fifth overall pick, Jones is the perfect security blanket for the rookie. He will also provide leadership in the locker room and a veteran whom young wide receivers can look to for advice on improving their game.