Back in October of 2019, the Las Vegas Raiders were hurting bad at wide receiver. As such, they sent a fifth-round pick to Buffalo for wideout Zay Jones. His impact would be minimal during the 2019 and 2020 seasons however as he had just 301 receiving yards and one touchdown combined. His impact would be felt off the field, however, as he was routinely praised as a leader and one of the hardest-working players on the team.
Former Raiders WR Zay Jones Heads To Jacksonville
In 2021, this hard work was rewarded. In week one against the Ravens in overtime, Derek Carr looked downfield for the game-winning score and found Jones wide open. Then, when the Henry Ruggs situation depleted the receiving core again, the Raiders called upon Jones’ to help shoulder the load. He responded with by far his best season in the silver and black. With 546 receiving yards on the year, he was solid. He also notched the Raider’s first playoff touchdown since 2016.
Touchdown Raiders!
Zay Jones ðŸˆ#LVvsCIN | #IrishNFLShow pic.twitter.com/Se4rpcrMYB
— The Irish NFL Show (@IreNFL) January 15, 2022
The Raiders couldn’t pay Jones
A free agent in the 2022 off-season, it was always fair to wonder if Jones would be returning to Vegas. Especially with a new coaching staff and front office who didn’t trade for him. Jones would resurface quickly however as the Jaguars inked him to a new deal on the first day of the legal tampering period. The deal is a three-year pact that can be worth up to 30 million dollars.
After getting a sizeable raise, Jones will now be catching passes from Trevor Lawrence. Part of a completely retooled receiving core, the Jaguars will hope h can build on the potential he showed in Las Vegas with the Raiders.
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*Top Photo: AP Photo / David Becker