Jan 3, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Jacoby Jones (12) returns a kick-off against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter in the 2014 AFC Wild Card playoff football game at Heinz Field. The Ravens won 30-17. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Earlier this week the Cincinnati Bengals hosted former Baltimore Raven wide receiver and kick returner Jacoby Jones. There has been much speculation that Cincinnati brought him in for a couple of different reasons. One of them could be that they are testing the market to see what current Cincinnati returner, Brandon Tate, may actually be worth during free agency. Or, they may just be looking for his replacement. If it is the later of the two, the potential signing of Jones may not make the most sense for Cincinnati.
As a wide receiver Jones may fit the idea of what Cincinnati is looking for, but it is not ideal. It has been documented that Cincinnati is looking for a wide receiver with some speed to stretch the field. In theory, he seems like a fit, but Cincinnati is looking for someone to come in and have a much greater impact.
Last season, Jacoby Jones had just nine receptions for 131 yards, his second lowest career mark in both categories. Compared to Tate’s 17 receptions for 193 yards, Jones would be a downgrade. Not to mention that Jones did not catch a touchdown last season. Tate had one.
Jones’ true value lies at kick returner. He averaged 30.6 yards per return last season. The average ranked second in the NFL in 2014, behind Cincinnati’s current kick returner Adam Jones. This would also be a downgrade.
Cincinnati fans also seem to have forgotten that Jones has been in trouble with the law before as well. Remember that fateful night in September of 2013 when Jones was bashed in the head by an Ace of Spades bottle that was launched from the audacious will of an exotic dancer? If memory serves right, Cincinnati has tried to rid themselves of problem players.
Match all of these comparisons up and Jacoby Jones is a downgrade at every position where Cincinnati would hypothetically use him. It is more likely that Cincinnati brought him in last week to see what the market would be like to replace Brandon Tate, as opposed to potentially signing Jones.
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