Giants To Sign Former Packers, Raiders WR James Jones

Multiple sources have confirmed the Giants have agreed to a one-year deal with free agent wide receiver James Jones.

It’s worth noting the deal is not official yet, but it is expected to be finalized if Jones passes a physical when he arrives to Giants camp on Friday.

Jones adds some veteran depth behind star wideout Odell Beckham Jr., which the Giants could use. Victor Cruz is coming off a torn patellar tendon, and Rueben Randle was fairly inconsistent last season.

Realistically, Jones could push Dwayne Harris for fourth receiver duties. This scenario would allow Harris to focus more on special teams, where he excelled for the Cowboys in previous seasons.

Also looking competing for snaps in the Giants crowded receiving corps are veteran Preston Parker, rookie Geremy Davis, 2014 preseason MVP Corey Washington, Juron Criner, Julian Talley, Ben Edwards and Chris Harper. My breakdown of the Giants’ receivers is available here.

Jones has familiarity with Giants offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo, who was on the Packers’ offensive coaching staff for Jones’ entire career in Green Bay. Jones spent much of his time there as a third receiver, playing behind Pro Bowlers like Donald Driver, Greg Jennings, Randall Cobb and Jordy Nelson.

Ex-Raiders receiver James Jones is expected to sign with the Giants on Friday (USA Today).

Still, Jones put up some impressive numbers in seven seasons in Green Bay. He racked up 4,305 yards and 37 touchdowns, averaging 13.9 yards per reception. His 14 receiving touchdowns in 2012 led the NFL.

Last offseason, Jones signed a three-year, $11.3 million deal with the Oakland Raiders. Unfortunately, he wouldn’t enjoy the same success out west that he had with the Packers.

In his only season in Oakland, he caught 73 passes for 666 yards and six touchdowns. His 9.1 yards per reception was by far the lowest of his career. Of course, a lot of that could be attributed to the poor quarterback play in Oakland.

After adding Amari Cooper in the draft and Michael Crabtree in free agency, the Raiders no longer had much of a need for Jones, and released him in early May.

Shortly after his release, Jones’ agent said the Giants, Chiefs and Seahawks showed interest in his client, although Jones’ visit with the Giants on Thursday is believed to be his first of free agency.

The Giants have arrived to training camp in East Rutherford, N.J., and will practice for the first time on Friday afternoon.