The Jacksonville Jaguars built a well-rounded wide receiver corps, so they aren't really in need of reinforcements at the position. This is why they took everyone by surprise when they hosted Zay Jones just before the start of training camp.
On the other hand, Jones spent two seasons with Jacksonville and was a highly productive player when he was healthy. On top of that, he had a good rapport with Trevor Lawrence. Precisely for those reasons, head coach Liam Coen wanted to get to know him.
Zay Jones knows the Jaguars and Trevor Lawrence well
Liam Coen met with the local media on the first day of training camp. He talked about the Zay Jones visit, noting that the Jaguars wanted to check with him and get a physical done.
"He really seems like a guy that's got his head on in terms of like being a pro's pro, knows the league, knows Trevor, right?" Coen responded when asked about Jones' recent visit (4:19 mark). "Knows this place, and I think has a lot of appreciation for this place. And you know, we'll see how things progress, but it was really good to get to meet him."
A reunion doesn't seem to be imminent right now, but based on Coen's comments, there's a chance the Jags could sign Jones down the road. Injuries have limited him to 28 games the past three seasons, but he would be an intriguing depth piece if healthy.
A second-round pick of the Buffalo Bills in 2016, Jones was traded to the Las Vegas Raiders in 2019. After two seasons with the Silver & Black, he signed a three-year deal worth $24 million with Jacksonville in 2022. The former East Carolina Pirate had an immediate impact, catching 82 receptions for 823 yards with five touchdowns. However, he was hampered by injuries the following year and was a cap casualty in 2024.
Jones played for the Arizona Cardinals the past two years but only managed to haul in 20 receptions for 267 yards with no touchdowns, mostly due to injuries.
Zay Jones could help the Jaguars down the road
At this moment, the Jaguars have no use for help at receiver. While Zay Jones could compete with rookies CJ Williams or Josh Cameron for a roster spot, he would also take valuable reps away from them and potentially hinder their development.
Moreover, Jones doesn't play special teams — something players on the bottom half of the depth chart do — so his contributions to the team would be limited. That said, Jacksonville could have him on speed dial in case the injury bug struck.
After all, the Jags would bring in Jones for what he can do, not for what he can't. And he would give Lawrence a trusted target if thrust into action.
Injuries are an inherent part of football. Teams can't avoid them, but they can be prepared for them. Kicking the tires of Zay Jones could help the Jaguars be ready in case they suffer a blow at receiver.
Add us as a preferred source on Google