Former Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Zay Jones is a free agent, and the former second-round pick may reunite with a familiar face.
Zay Jones, a former Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver, recently became a free agent following the 2024 NFL draft. Jacksonville openly attempted to trade for Brandon Aiyuk, but eventually decided on LSU’s Brian Thomas. This move rendered Jones expendable, and the Jaguars chose to split ways with the receiver as he reached the final year of a three-year, $24 million contract inked in 2021.
The wide receiver was drafted in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft and has since played for the Bills, Raiders, and Jaguars.
Now that Zay Jones is a free agent, SaintsWire’s John Sigler feels New Orleans should make a move to reunite him with quarterback Derek Carr.
Free Agent Zay Jones Connected to New Orleans Saints
It’s easy to see why this link benefits all parties. According to the article, Jones and Carr spent three seasons together with the Raiders, so adjusting to life in New Orleans should not take long. Furthermore, while Jones is hardly a superstar, he may be a dependable third option in the passing game. While injuries limited him to nine games in 2023, the wideout made 82 receptions for 823 yards and five scores in 2022. Finally, but not least, there’s the money. New Orleans has the cap flexibility to invest in high-paid players, and Jones shouldn’t cost much more than the league minimum.
New Orleans boasts a fantastic do-it-all wideout in Chris Olave and a consistent deep threat in Rashid Shaheed, but not much else. While A.T. Perry showed potential as a rookie, Zay Jones, a free agent, might provide some insurance if the former sixth-round pick fails to make the leap in Year 2.
Zay Jones won’t break the bank, but the free agent should have several suitors. If New Orleans is unable to sign him, one of these five teams is likely to have made a greater offer.
Other Potential Destinations
Buffalo Bills
Stefon Diggs cannot be replaced by a single player, so the Bills have thrown as many choices as possible at the board and are waiting to see what sticks. While Keon Coleman and Dalton Kincaid have some potential, Buffalo could consider signing another dependable veteran free agent, such as Zay Jones, in case the two aren’t ready for greatness. Jones has worked with Josh Allen and this coaching staff before and, at the very least, may serve as a reliable mentor for Coleman and first-year Bill Curtis Samuel.
Los Angeles Chargers
Even with Ladd McConkey, the Chargers still have the league’s worst wide receivers.Quentin Johnston need a historical turnaround in Year 2, whereas Josh Palmer and DJ Chark are simply career journeymen. Although Los Angeles invested in several Day 3 receivers, they require more experienced players to fight for snaps. Zay Jones is a better alternative than Chark, and the free agent may provide Justin Herbert a much-needed dependable pair of hands.
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys failed to locate a reliable receiver to pair with CeeDee Lamb in the 2024 NFL Draft. With Brandin Cooks losing a step, the team could sign free agent Zay Jones to compete for snaps. Dallas appears unwilling to spend money, therefore Jones and his (probably) tiny deal are a good fit for the Cowboys.
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers believe that Xavier Legette has the potential to become a star. Perhaps they are correct, but they should sign a seasoned free agent like Zay Jones in case the guy who took five years to perform in college needs time to transition to the NFL. Adam Thielen and Diontae Johnson are good receivers, but Jones can make sure the Panthers have three trustworthy options on the field at all times.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers are looking to trade for a wide receiver, but if they don’t get DK Metcalf, Courtland Sutton, or Brandon Aiyuk, they may consider a free agent like Zay Jones. While he isn’t as outstanding as the aforementioned guys, he can ease Russell Wilson’s workload and relieve pressure on rookie wideout Roman Wilson.
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