NFL Rumors: San Diego Chargers to work out James Jones, Brian Hartline
By John Buhler
The San Diego Chargers are looking to improve their wide receiver corps by working out NFL veterans like James Jones and Brian Hartline on Tuesday.
According to the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the San Diego Chargers are hosting both veteran NFL wide receivers James Jones and Brian Hartline on Tuesday. This comes after Stevie Johnson’s knee injury.
#Chargers are hosting veteran WR James Jones on a visit today, source said. Given WR Stevie Johnson's knee injury, Jones is a strong option.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 2, 2016
In addition to James Jones' visit to San Diego, I'm told they are also working out former #Browns WR Brian Hartline today.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 2, 2016
San Diego should have three key pieces in the receiving corps this season with future Hall of Fame tight end Antonio Gates, potential Pro Bowl wideout Keenan Allen, and marquee free agent acquisition Travis Benjamin, formerly of the Cleveland Browns.
Though Philip Rivers continues to play at a high level into his mid-30s as the Chargers’ franchise quarterback, injuries to his offensive weaponry the last few seasons have left he and San Diego exposed. San Diego finished 4-12 in 2015 with the No. 3 overall draft pick this spring. One could argue that the Chargers might be in contention for the No. 1 overall pick in 2017.
Jones is best known for his eight years as a No. 3 receiving option for Aaron Rodgers with the Green Bay Packers. At 32 years old, Jones could potentially be a solid possession receiver for Rivers, should he need a sure-handed wideout to dump the ball to behind a constantly collapsing offensive line.
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Hartline is a seven-year NFL veteran, spending his first six years as a key wide receiver for the Miami Dolphins. He spent the 2015 NFL campaign for the lowly Browns. While he did have success in Miami with Ryan Tannehill as his quarterback, Hartline didn’t live up to expectations with the Browns. Both tight end Gary Barnidge and Benjamin had better 2015 seasons that Hartline.
It’s wise for the Chargers to bring in a veteran wideout to help Rivers out in what looks to be a tough AFC West this season, especially if Johnson is out for any extended time frame. There’s a good chance that San Diego signs either veteran receiver before Week 1 of the 2016 NFL preseason.
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