We surmised that receiver James Jones would be at or near the top of the list for a new contract after the Green Bay Packers re-signed Desmond Bishop to a long-term deal, but that may not be the case.
Word is, the Packers are debating whether Jones is worth a long-term investment.
The reason isn’t surprising — Jones drops too many balls.
A case in point was Jones’ performance in the Packers’ wild-card victory in Philadelphia. His tough nine-yard catch of a low Aaron Rodgers throw in the corner of the end zone in the second quarter was the type of play that has to make Thompson think Jones could be a decent long-term replacement for the aging Donald Driver as the Packers’ No. 2 receiver. Then again, after Jones dropped what would have been an easy 63-yard TD in the same quarter — two weeks after dropping what would have been a sure 71-yard TD against the Giants — Thompson had to be wondering whether the Packers might be better off just letting Jones move on.
Jones has shown potential — amazing potential, at times — but he’s also shown an inability to consistently hang onto the ball. In addition to dropping passes, he’s also put the ball on the ground. Jones fumbled three times this season and lost one, which helped the Chicago Bears beat the Packers in their first game.
Thompson has to determine if the potential is worth the risk. My bet is he looks elsewhere.
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