Even before the New York Giants released James Jones, there was speculation that if/when he was released, the Green Bay Packers would target him. Immediately upon his release, the belief that the two would reunite grew stronger. Now it appears to be happening, just hours after Rob Demovsky reported Jones was coming in for a visit.
It's a fit that just makes perfect sense for both sides. Jones best years came when he was with the Packers, in part thanks to a strong connection with Aaron Rodgers. His best year came in 2012, when he posted a season-high 14 touchdowns. The following season, he caught 59 passes for a career-high 817 receiving yards and three touchdowns.
Jones hit free agency the following offseason and went close to home by signing with the Oakland Raiders. While his skills are in decline, still managed to put up 73 receptions and six touchdowns last season, while catching passes from a rookie quarterback. The Raiders released Jones in May and after a few months, he was picked up by the Giants.
Now with his return to Green Bay, Jones should see a fairly significant role almost immediately. After Green Bay lost Jordy Nelson for the season, it left a gaping hole at the Packers' third-receiver spot. Ty Montgomery is a rookie who best profiles as a slot receiver, a position typically taken by Randall Cobb.
Meanwhile, Jeff Janis, who has strong Twitter support ready for him to "breakout" has yet to earn the trust of his quarterback or coaching staff. Trust is a major factor in this wide receiver battle, Rodgers has spoken on multiple occasions about his need to know he can trust his receivers to make plays and be in the right spots.
Rodgers and Jones have worked together for seven years, even with the year-plus apart, it won't take long for that timing and chemistry to rekindle. Even if Jones is declining, he has reliable hands and knows how to work on the outside, which Green Bay desperately needed.
It was the obvious move for Green Bay to make and it was the smart move. Jones could be Green Bay's third or fourth receiver, taking pressure off Montgomery to be a major contributor right away. If Green Bay wants to throw the deep ball, then they can bring Janis on the field to run a go route.
Jones can serve as another security blanket on the outside, while also being a red-zone target, which was the biggest role he played in that touchdown-heavy 2012 season. From a football perspective, this is an excellent addition by the Packers and one that makes their offense better than it was 24 hours ago.
While it's still unknown whose place on the roster Jones is taking, it's reasonable to expect wide receiver Myles White will be released. If so, he could be a candidate for the practice squad, where he would join Jared Abbrederis.
Fantasy wise, Jones should still remain off the fantasy radar for leagues deeper than 14 teams. He will still find himself behind Cobb, Davante Adams and Eddie Lacy in terms of priority on offense. There are too many young, talented receivers with bigger opportunities and upside that you can find.