Sunday, July 31, 2011

Jones back in Green Bay after all

Several days ago, it looked as if Green Bay Packer wide receiver and unrestricted free agent James Jones was as good as gone. First, to the ViQueens...but then they signed Michael Jenkins from Atlanta instead. Then, it looked as if Jones might got to the Jets...but they wound up signing Plaxico Burress. Opportunities for the big deal Jones wanted seemed to be drying up. And, given the abbreviated time teams now have to make deals, evaluate talent in training camp and come to their final roster decisions, free agent players also have to make some quick choices.

Whatever and however it finally came together, James Jones will be back with the Pack for a reported three-year deal. That has to make his quarterback very happy. Aaron Rodgers not only publicly said that re-signing Jones should be the team's number one priority but also is said to have personally lobbied GM Ted Thompson to get Jones back. Fellow wide receivers Donald Driver and Greg Jennings also added their support for Jones rejoining the team.

Certainly Jones showed real moments of brilliance last season. He has the makings of being a great receiver, no doubt. But he also drove Packer fans and coaches crazy with drops in too many key situations. If he can overcome that lack of focus, Jones could have a breakout season and can make the Packers receiving corps even a greater threat than last year.

As I wrote in my post here yesterday, I thought the chance of Jones returning was less than 50 percent; but that was before the Jets signed Burress...that changed the dynamics of the situation considerably.

Congratulations, Mr. Jones. Glad you're back with the Pack for another Championship run.

You can read more about Jones deal here.

Kuhn also back with the Pack
Late breaking news: FB John Kuhn has also signed a three-year deal to return to Green Bay. Kuhn was another player that Rodgers felt was key to the offense and the team's Super Bowl run of last season.