Could another former Jaguars wide receiver end up with the Titans?
A second wide receiver from the Jacksonville Jaguars may be on his way to a rival within the division. As per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Tennessee Titans are arranging to welcome former Jaguars wide receiver Zay Jones for a visit. Jones was released by the Jaguars last week, following the team’s decision to draft a receiver in the first round for the first time since 2012.
Should Jones join the Titans, he would reunite with former Jaguars wide receiver Calvin Ridley, as well as former Jaguars passing game coordinator, now Titans offensive coordinator, Nick Holz.
In 2023, Jones faced an injury setback during Week 2, which plagued him for the majority of the season, causing him to miss two separate stretches of play. Despite this, he managed to participate in nine games for the Jaguars last season, securing 34 receptions for 321 yards and two touchdowns.
Over the past two seasons, Jones stands as the team’s third-most targeted player (185) and ranks third in receiving yards (1,144), with 113 catches, and tying for fourth in touchdown receptions (7). His average receiving yards per game stands at 45.8, placing him fourth in that statistic.
Jones inked a three-year contract with the Jaguars in 2022, valued at $24 million, including $14 million guaranteed.
Regarding the Jaguars’ financial implications, if Jones is released, the team would absorb $6,569,334 in dead cap while saving $4,183,294. However, if designated as a post-June 1st cut, they would carry $3,017,334 in dead cap for 2024 but save $7,735,294 for the year.
Jones is poised to be supplanted in the starting lineup by Brian Thomas Jr., the 23rd overall pick in the draft and the first wide receiver the Jaguars have selected in the first round in more than ten years.
Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson commented on this development, stating, “Well yeah, that’s the idea when you select good players in the draft. You’re adding a skilled receiver, you’re adding depth, you’re adding a guy that has an element of speed that we haven’t had probably since Calvin [Ridley] last year.”
“Once we get him here and really delve into his abilities, get him familiar with our playbook over the next couple of weeks, we’ll see how we can utilize him. I believe he’ll be a tremendous asset for our offense, not only in stretching the field but also in unlocking other aspects of our offensive game plan.”