James Jones - Pro Football Rumors

FA Rumors: Whitehead, Clayborn, Vikings, Jags

March 7th, 2016 at 3:44pm CST by Luke Adams

With Kiko Alonso set to head to Miami once the trade between the Dolphins and Eagles becomes official, Philadelphia will be in the market for a new linebacker. And Eliot Shorr-Parks of NJ.com hears that the Eagles are targeting a player with whom new defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz is familiar.

According to Shorr-Parks, the Eagles have expressed interest in Lions linebacker Tahir Whitehead, who can become a free agent this week. Whitehead ranked as our top non-rush outside linebacker when we examined 2016’s top defensive free agents over the weekend, and he’d represent an upgrade over Alonso. However, he’ll also be more expensive, so we’ll see if Howie Roseman and the Eagles can make it work.

Here’s more updates on free agents around the NFL:

Free agent defensive lineman Adrian Clayborn, who has experience playing inside and outside, is drawing interest from a few teams, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link). Rapoport identifies the Giants, Jaguars, Cowboys, and Dolphins as some of the clubs “lurking” on Clayborn.
Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press passes along a couple updates on the Vikings‘ free agent prospects, reporting (via Twitter) that the team has inquired on safety Reggie Nelson, who previously played for Mike Zimmer in Cincinnati. Tomasson adds (via Twitter) that he’s hearing offensive lineman Kelechi Osemele may be too expensive for Minnesota.
Could defensive lineman Malik Jackson be a top target for the Jaguars this week? Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk explains why it could be a good match, noting that Jacksonville is believed to have several targets for the first wave of free agency.
Free agent wide receiver James Jones tells Josina Anderson of ESPN (Twitter link) that he wants to keep playing for “at least three more years”
Buccaneers safety Keith Tandy, an unrestricted free agent, has been in talks to return to Tampa Bay, and there’s a good chance he re-signs with the team within the next few days, says Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times (Twitter link).

FA Rumors: J. Jones, Incognito, Asiata, Butler

March 5th, 2016 at 8:41pm CST by Dallas Robinson

Appearing on SiriusXM NFL Radio earlier today (SoundCloud link), veteran receiver James Jones said that while he’d like to return to the Packers in 2016, it appears as though he’ll hit the open market once again. Jones, who will turn 32 later this month, had an excellent season in Green Bay, averaging nearly 18 yards per reception and scoring eight touchdowns. His age will be hindrance, but Jones should be able to latch on with another club early in free agency.

Free agency opens in less than four days, so let’s dive into the latest news and rumors…

The Bills never made guard Richie Incognito an extension offer during the season, according to Tyler Dunne of the Buffalo News, and they’ve since “lowballed” Incognito and have gone several-day stretches without contacting his agent. If that’s the case, it’s perhaps no wonder Incognito is reportedly frustrated with how the talks are proceeding.
Like Jones, running back Matt Asiata has spent a lot of time in the NFC North, and he tells Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press (Twitter link) that he’d like to re-sign with the Vikings. If Minnesota doesn’t offer a contract to Asiata’s liking, however, he’s perfectly willing to listen to other clubs when the legal tampering period begins on Monday.
Linebacker Donald Butler, released by the Chargers on Thursday, tells Alex Marvez of FOX Sports (Twitter link) that he expected to be released, especially after San Diego drafted fellow linebacker Denzel Perryman last year. Additionally, Butler says he has’t draw much (if any) interest on the free agent market yet.
The Steelers don’t often spend in free agency, but every rule has an exception, and Mark Kaboly of the Pittsburgh Tribune argues that the club should look to the open market as they search for a Heath Miller replacement at tight end. Coby Fleener, Dwayne Allen, and Ladarius Green are a few of the top options who might be available next week.

Extra Points: Eagles, Jeff Allen, Keenan Allen

March 4th, 2016 at 9:54pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

Here’s the latest from around the NFL as we draw closer to free agency:

The Eagles, who desperately need help at guard, are targeting Chiefs pending free agent Jeff Allen, reports Les Bowen of Philly.com. Given Allen’s connection to new Eagles head coach Doug Pederson, who was previously Kansas City’s offensive coordinator, this news comes as no surprise.
The Packers’ James Jones, set to be part of the upcoming class of free agent receivers, is confused that he isn’t generating much buzz after totaling 50 catches, averaging a tremendous 17.8 yards per reception, and amassing eight touchdowns last season. “I’m hearing a lot of these receivers names being called and people are trying to brush over my name, and I had one of the best seasons out of all these guys that are free agents,” the 31-year-old said. On re-signing with Green Bay, he added, “I was hoping it would go be back to Green Bay, but I don’t know what’s going to happen” (link via Conor Orr of NFL.com).
Once free agency and the draft are out of the way, the Chargers will initiate extension talks with contract-year wideout Keenan Allen, according to Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union-Tribune. Even if the the Chargers drag their feet on giving Allen a new deal, he has no intention of holding out, per Gehlken. The soon-to-be 24-year-old racked up a whopping 67 catches in just eight games last season. That followed back-to-back 70-reception seasons in his first two years.
First-year Titans general manager Jon Robinson said Friday that his offseason focus lies with improving the team’s offensive line, acquiring offensive playmakers, and adding “players who can help us get off the field on third down on defense,’’ per Jim Wyatt of TitansOnline.com.
The chances of pending free agent defensive backs Josh Robinson and Robert Blanton returning to the Vikings are “not good,” according to Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press (Twitter link). Robinson played in five games last season and wasn’t a factor. Blanton suited up for all 16 games, but appeared in just 21.5% of the Vikings’ defensive snaps.

FA Rumors: Brooks, JPP, Gates, James Jones

January 8th, 2016 at 7:25pm CST by Luke Adams

Bills cornerback Ron Brooks is eligible for free agency this offseason, but he technically remains under contract with the team until the new league year begins in March. Perhaps he was reminded of that this afternoon.

Earlier today, Brooks published a tweet that read, “Preciate everybody with the @Buffalobills and the great fans of WNY!!! It’s been a good ride. Sad to leave but business is business.” He has since deleted the tweet.

It’s not clear whether Brooks plans or expects to leave the Bills, or he was just a little premature in assuming his free agency. Either way, with the tweet deleted, we may have to wait until March to find out the fate of the defensive back and special-teamer.

Here are some other Friday updates on players eligible for free agency this winter:

Appearing on The Michael Kay Show, Giants co-owner John Mara confirmed that he’d like to see his team bring back Jason Pierre-Paul. However, he cautioned that it will depend on the price, adding that the Giants “have to see more before [Pierre-Paul] gets paid like the top free agents in this league” (Twitter links via Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News). A report last week suggested there’s mutual interest between JPP and the Giants in having the veteran defensive end re-sign with the team.
Antonio Gates has previously indicated he’ll likely return for at least one more season in 2016, and if he does, the Chargers would love to have him back, general manager Tom Telesco said today, according to Eric D. Williams of ESPN.com.
Another veteran pass catcher, Packers wideout James Jones, says he’d love to stay in Green Bay and finish his career with the team. However, as Jason Wilde of ESPN.com details, Jones acknowledges that he wasn’t necessarily counting on a multiyear stint when he re-signed with the Packers in 2015. “I kind of felt, ‘You’re here on a one-year deal; Jordy [Nelson] comes back next year; they’ve got a bright young star in Davante [Adams], drafted Ty [Montgomery], got Randall [Cobb],’ so my expectation was not to really fight for a contract here,” Jones said. “I’d love to finish it out, but at the same time, we’ll see.”

NFC Notes: Jones, Cousins, Lions, McClain

October 10th, 2015 at 10:57am CST by Ben Levine

Many 31-year-old receivers don’t get a second chance when they’re cut by an NFL team, but Packers wideout James Jones was confident he’d eventually find his footing.

The veteran signed with the Giants early this offseason, but he was cut by the squad in early September. Jones quickly caught on with his former team, but no one expected this kind of production. Through four games, the wideout has compiled 17 catches for 317 yards and four touchdowns.

“I never doubted that I could play the game,” Jones told Ryan Wood of PackersNews.com. “It’s just the hand you’re dealt sometimes. New coaches come in, and they get rid of certain guys. You don’t know why. I don’t ask no questions. I just go about my business, ‘Thanks for the opportunity,’ and look for the next door to open. Where was I mentally? I was in a great spot because I knew I still could play. There were a lot of teams who needed a receiver. So I knew I would land somewhere. I never doubted nothing.”

Let’s take a look at some more notes from around the NFC…

Former Washington coach Mike Shanahan is confident that quarterback Kirk Cousins can be a foundational piece for a contender. “I think he’s a guy that can take your team and win a Super Bowl,” Shanahan told ESPN 980, via Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com. “And that’s the biggest compliment I can give somebody. Does this person have the ability, the ingredients, that if he has the right supporting cast on offense/defense and special teams, can he win you a Super Bowl? And I believe that Kirk Cousins has that ability.”
Lions vice chairman Bill Ford Jr. acknowledged that his role within the franchise has been reduced, while his mother Martha Ford has taken on a larger role. “She is [in charge],” Ford Jr. told WJR Radio (via Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com). “She is, and since my dad died, I’ve been less involved with the Lions and the NFL. She is very much in charge, and she’s got the decision-making role.”
Rolando McClain made his return to practice this week, and the linebacker admitted it was tough to sit out the Cowboys‘ first four games. “It’s always good to watch football, be a part of it, not to get out of it, keep your mind in it, but in a way it was frustrating,” McClain told ESPN.com’s Todd Archer. “Frustrating for myself and for the fact that I feel like I should have been out there to help my team. Luckily those four weeks flew by and I finally get to go out and play football and contribute to this defense and contribute to this team.”

NFC Notes: J. Jones, Long, Cruz, Workouts

September 19th, 2015 at 8:55am CST by Luke Adams

Week 1 couldn’t have gone much better for Packers wide receiver James Jones, who re-signed with Green Bay less than two weeks ago and caught a pair of touchdown balls from Aaron Rodgers during his first game back with the team.

In an interview with Jenny Vrentas of TheMMQB.com, Jones discussed the Raiders‘ and Giants‘ decisions to release him earlier this year, suggesting that Oakland simply wanted to “go younger,” while New York let him go out of respect, since he wouldn’t have been a big part of the Giants’ offense. Jones has no hard feelings toward either organization, but being cut twice in the span of a few months figures to motivate him this season.

“I’m extremely, extremely motivated, more than I have ever been, right now,” Jones said. “Not only to show the teams that released me that I have a lot of football left, but to show myself, that you still have a lot to give and you have a lot of football left. That’s my main motivation right now, to show people that I can still play this game at a very high level and still can help a ball club win.”

So far, so good for Jones and the Packers. Here’s more from around the NFC:

Field Yates of ESPN.com provides a few more details on Jake Long‘s one-year contract with the Falcons, tweeting that while there’s a base value of $1.17MM, the deal has a strong “play-and-pay structure.” Long can earn up to $400K in per-game roster bonuses and another $1MM in incentives.
Victor Cruz, who is continuing to deal with lingering calf problems, will miss the Giants‘ Week 2 game, but thinks he’ll be back on the field for the team within the next couple weeks, as Bart Hubbuch and Kyle Schnitzer of the New York Post write. The Giants, who have yet to use their IR-DTR slot, obviously felt confident heading into the season that Cruz wouldn’t be sidelined for a significant chunk of time, since it doesn’t seem as if the club ever seriously considered using that designation on the veteran wideout.
In addition to their workouts which we passed along yesterday, the Eagles also auditioned offensive lineman Austin Reiter and running back Dreamius Smith this week, per Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle (via Twitter).
According to Wilson (via Twitter), offensive lineman Pierce Burton had a workout for the Panthers this week. Burton was initially waived by the Falcons during their cutdown to 53 players, then was cut from Atlanta’s practice squad earlier this week.

NFC Notes: Jones, Chancellor, Bears

September 13th, 2015 at 8:35pm CST by Ben Levine

Some assorted notes from around the NFC…

The Giants had talked with several teams about trading receiver James Jones prior to the veteran’s release, reports ESPN’s Ed Werder (via Twitter). The team was reportedtly eyeing conditional draft picks. The Packers were among the teams that spoke with New York, but they decided to wait for Jones’ release.
Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett didn’t want to attribute his team’s loss on Sunday to the absence of safety Kam Chancellor, who continues to hold out for a new contract. “Whenever you lose everyone is going to turn around saying this and that, Kam Chancellor this,” Bennett said (via Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times on Twitter), “but we were still in the game. Regardless of what the situation was we had more opportunities during the game.”
Despite dropping Sunday’s game to the Packers, several members of the Bears still took shots at their former coaching staff following the contest. “The mentality of this offense, which I’m proud of, is nobody had that stupid look on their face [when down 31-16] like before,” running back Matt Forte said (via Mark Potash of the Chicago Sun-Times on Twitter). “Before when something would happen, kind of saying that the game is lost already when there’s time left. We kept fighting.”
Offensive lineman Matt Slauson echoed that sentiment (via Potash). “Had this been the past, we would have packed it in,” he said. “That just goes to show the mentality this staff is instilling in us.” The guard noted that it was nice “to have a coordinator that actually trusts us to run, because we have the best back in the game.”

Contract Details: Cassel, F-Jax, J. Jones, Solder

September 9th, 2015 at 11:42am CST by Luke Adams

With teams getting their rosters in order for Week 1, a handful of free agents have signed with new – or old – clubs, and players around the league are having their contracts extended. Here are the latest details on a few notable contracts that have been recently signed:

Matt Cassel‘s base salary on his new deal with the Bills is down to $2MM from the $4.15MM he was set to earn on his previous pact, tweets Field Yates of ESPN.com. However, according to Yates, the veteran quarterback can earn up to $4.15MM via incentives on the new contract. Presumably, Cassel would have to reclaim the starting job to achieve any of those incentives.
The Seahawks‘ deal with running back Fred Jackson is a one-year pact worth $900K, according to Tom Pelissero of USA Today (via Twitter). The minimum salary for a player with Jackson’s experience is $870K, so unless Pelissero is simply rounding up, it looks like there’s a small bonus included.
There’s no signing bonus on James Jones‘ new contract, per Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com. Demovsky says Jones’ deal with the Packers is worth the veteran’s minimum of $870K, so the veteran wideout will count for just $585K against the cap.
Offensive tackle Nate Solder got a $12.5MM signing bonus as part of his two-year extension with the Patriots, according to Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald (all Twitter links). As part of the agreement, Solder had his 2015 base salary reduced by $6MM to $1.438MM, and had his 2016 salary ($6MM) fully guaranteed.

Packers Sign James Jones

September 7th, 2015 at 11:18am CST by Dallas Robinson

MONDAY, 11:18am: The Packers are cutting wide receiver Myles White to open a spot on the roster for Jones, per Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com.

SUNDAY, 4:49pm: Jones has signed a one-year deal with the Packers, according to Silverstein (Twitter link).

4:10pm: The Packers and Jones have agreed to a deal that will bring the wideout back to Green Bay, tweets Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. It’s not clear yet where Jones will fit in on the team’s depth chart, since the Packers have several young receivers they like, but it shouldn’t take long for him to build a rapport with his old quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

2:05pm: The Packers have interest in a reunion with free agent receiver James Jones, according to Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel (Twitter link), who reports that the two sides have had discussions. Jones’ agent tells Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com (Twitter link) that Jones will take a visit with Green Bay on Sunday, and a deal could follow if the meeting goes well.

Following Jordy Nelson‘s ACL tear, a return to Green Bay has always made sense for Jones, and once he was released by the Giants yesterday, it seemed likely that the Packers would at least explore the possibility. The 31-year-old Jones spent the first seven seasons of his career with Green Bay, and posted his best campaign in 2012, catching a league-leading 14 touchdowns. His scoring totals have regressed to the mean in the years since, but he’s still a solid pass-catcher who could add depth to the Packers’ arsenal.

The fact that Jones didn’t land a contract with the Giants until July means he probably signed a minimum salary benefit contract. If the Packers want to add Jones, then, he shouldn’t be a costly option.

NFC Notes: Washington, Powell, Jones

September 6th, 2015 at 9:53pm CST by Rob DiRe

Despite a need at both tight end and outside linebacker, Washington has elected to remain patient with their roster. The team only kept two tight ends and four outside linebackers on the current version of their 53-man roster, and did not put a waiver claim in on any of the many players on the wire today at either position, writes Mike Jones of the Washington Post. However, Jones does expect the team to add to the position in the coming days if the opportunity arises.

Here are some more stories from around the NFL this Sunday:

Receiver Corey Washington has received an injury settlement with the Giants, who therefore released him from the injured reserve, reports Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News (via Twitter). Washington is now free to sign with any team.
The Saints have waived linebacker Ronald Powell with an injury settlement, according to Evan Woodbery of NOLA.com (via Twitter). Powell is only eligible to re-sign with the Saints after Week 6 plus the length of the settlement (via Twitter).
After signing James Jones, the Packers will have to cut a player to make room, writes Jason Wilde of ESPN.com (via Twitter). That player will not be Datone Jones, he adds, despite the rumors that Jones was on the chopping block. Jones is not on the current 53-man roster, because he is suspended for Week 1 (via Twitter). Wilde does mention Myles White as a possible candidate to be cut (via Twitter).