Jacksonville targets veteran depth as Zay Jones eyes a reunion with Trevor Lawrence, bringing proven playoff chemistry and a reliable presence to the Jaguars' dangerous receiving corps.
While the wide receiver position is not a dire need for the Jacksonville Jaguars, it is always a luxury to have depth on the outside.
With talents like Brian Thomas Jr., Jakobi Meyers, Travis Hunter, and Parker Washington already in the room, it will be difficult for a player to crack the rotation, but it seems the front office is still seeking an additional player, working out Zay Jones earlier this week.
Jones spent two seasons in Jacksonville (2022-2023), recording 116 receptions, 1,144 yards, and seven touchdowns.
The former second-round pick has carved out a solid NFL career after being selected out of Eastern Carolina in 2017, having spent time with the Buffalo Bills, Las Vegas Raiders, and Arizona Cardinals in addition to the Jaguars.
On Wednesday, at the first day of Jacksonville's 11-on-11 practice, head coach Liam Coen talked about the team meeting with the nine-year NFL veteran.
"Get him in here, see what he looks like and just meet him. I had never met Zay. He really seems like a guy who has his head on in terms of being a pro's pro. Knows the league, knows Trevor, knows this place," Coen said. "We'll see how things progress, but it was really good to meet him."
Since leaving the Jaguars in 2023, Jones has played in a limited role in Arizona, hauling in just 20 receptions for 267 yards in his last two campaigns.
But, his familiarity with Lawrence cannot be overvalued, as the veteran wideout spent time with him during his earlier years in the league.
Jones was especially crucial during the Jaguars' playoff run in 2022, as he recorded eight catches for 74 yards and a touchdown in the team's remarkable 27-0 comeback against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Late in the third quarter, Jones got free for a 39-yard score, helping bring the Jaguars within ten (30-20).
He followed this up with a five-catch, 83-yard showing against the Kansas City Chiefs in the divisional round, as Jacksonville fell just short, losing 27-20.
The 2022 season was by far Jones' most productive of his career, as his effectiveness and consistency hasn't quite been the same since then.
But, with the Jaguars once again looking like a dangerous playoff contender, the reliability and trust Lawrence has with his former deep threat could prove valuable down the stretch of a season.
Spotrac projects Jones' market value to be just $1.3 million, which is inexpensive for the wide receiver position.
It will be interesting to see what develops, but bringing in a player with Jones' experience in various systems could be worth adding him to the corps.
