Fansided

Report: Jacoby Jones set to visit Chargers on Thursday

By Brandon C. Williams

Oct 12, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Jacoby Jones (12) reacts as he runs out onto the field to work out prior to the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 12, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Jacoby Jones (12) reacts as he runs out onto the field to work out prior to the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Free agent wide receiver-return specialist Jacoby Jones will visit the Chargers, as he reportedly will meet with the team on Thursday.

The Jacoby Jones “Hey, I Can Still Play” 2015 tour will hit the West Coast, as the former Texans and Ravens wide receiver/return specialist will drop into Southern California:

San Diego would be the second of three teams Jones will visit this week, having already met with the Bengals and will visit the Titans later in the week. Jones didn’t receive a contract offer from Cincinnati, who still has him in mind as a possible third wideout and primary kickoff returner.

Both the Chargers and Titans are in unison with their thoughts of Jones, who averaged a franchise-record 30.1 yards per kickoff return while with the Ravens, including one return that will forever assure Jones will never have to buy a drink in B-More:

(No truth to the rumor that the touchdown dance will cost extra).

Jones has also caught 76 passes for 992 yards and three touchdowns over the past three seasons, yet had just nine receptions last season. He found himself slowly buried on the depth chart due to a rash of drops along with four fumbles, losing two.

The Ravens appreciated the big-play potential of Jones, who finished second in the NFL in kickoff returns last season, yet weren’t willing to shell out a projected $6 million for him this season, which included a $3.5 million signing bonus.

San Diego is quite aware of what kind of damage Jones can do as a return specialist. Exhibit A came in last season’s loss to Baltimore, when the Chargers — who had avoided kicking to Jones for much of the game — decided to roll the dice and were cooked to the tune of a 72-yard kickoff return.

An All-Pro in 2012, Jones has scored nine of his 23 career touchdowns via returns, placing him fourth among active players in the category. He is also sixth among active players with 7,200 yards on returns and will have a chance to move into the top 20 all-time in total return yards.

Jones’ value as a receiver may be on the decline, but his value as a return specialist will make him a sought-after commodity. Since he was released before the start of free agency, Jones can sign with anyone before the official lid-lifting on Tuesday afternoon. Only 30, Jones still has plenty of years in the tank as a game-altering presence for someone’s return unit.

More from FanSided

Home/Los Angeles Chargers