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After a breakout fantasy football season where he scored 14 touchdowns in 2012, Green Bay Packers wide receiver James Jones‘ fantasy draft stock plummeted in 2013. Granted, all the Packers’ wide receivers not named Jordy Nelson took a hit in their fantasy values when star quarterback Aaron Rodgers went down with a broken collarbone. Jones tumbled down the depth chart behind the rising Jarrett Boykin. He is set to hit the free agency market, but has stated that he would like to remain with Green Bay. The Packers will have to decide if they want to re-sign the soon-to-be 30-year-old receiver. He could try and test the open market with a handful of teams sure to be interested in his services.
Wherever Jones ends up this offseason will determine exactly what his fantasy value is worth to potential owners. Randall Cobb will return from injury and assume his duties in the slot role. It seems likely that the Packers will let Jones walk due to the budding youth in their receiving corps. However, if they decide to retain Jones, he won’t be that attractive option that he appeared to be in 2013 fantasy drafts.
If he ends up signing a contract elsewhere his fantasy value will receive a nice boost. Even at 30 years old he is still a highly valuable offensive weapon. Jones has great size, speed and athleticism that make him a very dangerous target on third down and in the red zone.
Jones would fit nicely in a team like the New England Patriots. He would instantly become a fantasy stud and become a favorite target for Tom Brady. The Patriots know that the window is closing soon on the Tom Brady era and need to surround him with a more reliable cast of receivers. He would be like a Deion Branch-type of player in New England, which would skyrocket his value.
Another landing spot that would make sense and help his fantasy value in 2014 would be with the New York Jets. It is no secret that the Jets plan to revamp their receiving corps to give Geno Smith a fighting chance to establish himself as a franchise quarterback. Jones would provide a reliable pair of hands for the young signal caller.
Jones’ fantasy value for the 2014 fantasy football season will remain a mystery at this point until he is signed.
Alexander Muir is a writer at Rant Sports.com. Follow him on Twitter @AmuirAlex, “Like” him on Facebook or add him on your network on Google.
