$24 Million Free Agent Linked to NFC Contender

Former Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Zay Jones recently became a free agent following the 2024 NFL Draft. Jacksonville openly tried to trade for Brandon Aiyuk but ultimately settled for LSU’s Brian Thomas. This selection made Jones expendable, and the Jaguars decided to part ways with the receiver as he entered the final year of a three-year, $24 million pact signed back in 2021.

A second-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, the wide receiver has bounced around since entering the league, playing for the Bills and Raiders before joining the Jaguars. Now that he’s a free agent, SaintsWire‘s John Sigler believes that New Orleans should make a move for Zay Jones and reunite him with quarterback Derek Carr.

Free Agent Zay Jones Connected to New Orleans Saints

It’s easy to see why this connection makes plenty of sense for all parties. As pointed out in the article, Jones and Carr spent three seasons together with the Raiders, so he shouldn’t need too much time to adjust to life in New Orleans. Additionally, even though Jones is no superstar, he can be a reliable third option in the passing attack. While injuries limited him to nine games in 2023, the wideout recorded 82 receptions for 823 yards and five touchdowns during the 2022 season. Last, but certainly not least, is the money. New Orleans doesn’t have the cap space to invest in top-dollar players, and Jones shouldn’t cost much more than the league minimum.

New Orleans has a great do-everything wideout in Chris Olave and a reliable deep threat in Rashid Shaheed, but not much else. While A.T. Perry showed some promise as a rookie, Zay Jones could provide some insurance as a free agent in case the former sixth-round pick can’t make the Year 2 leap.

Zay Jones isn’t going to break the bank, but the free agent should have multiple suitors. If New Orleans can’t sign him, it’s probably because one of these five teams made a better offer.

Other Potential Destinations

Buffalo Bills

You can’t replace Stefon Diggs with one player, so the Bills have thrown as many options as possible on the board and are seeing what sticks. While Keon Coleman and Dalton Kincaid have some upside, Buffalo should invest in another stable veteran free agent like Zay Jones in case those two aren’t ready for stardom. Jones has some experience with Josh Allen and this coaching staff and, if nothing else, could be a reliable mentor for Coleman and the first-year Bill Curtis Samuel.

Los Angeles Chargers

Even with Ladd McConkey, the Chargers still have the worst group of wide receivers in the league. Quentin Johnston needs a historical turnaround in Year 2, while Josh Palmer and DJ Chark are nothing more than career journeymen. While Los Angeles invested in multiple Day 3 receivers, they need more proven veterans to compete for snaps. Zay Jones is a better option than Chark and the free agent could provide Justin Herbert with a much-needed reliable set of hands.

Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys did not find a reliable receiver to pair with CeeDee Lamb in the 2024 NFL Draft. With Brandin Cooks losing a step, the team could bring in Zay Jones as a free agent to compete for snaps. Dallas seems unwilling to spend money, which means Jones and his (presumably) small contract is a natural fit for the Cowboys.

Carolina Panthers

The Panthers believe Xavier Legette can be a star. Perhaps they’re right, but they should add a veteran free agent like Zay Jones just in case the guy who needed five years to produce in college needs time to adjust to the NFL. Adam Thielen and Diontae Johnson are fine receivers, but Jones can ensure that the Panthers always have three reliable options on the field at any given time.

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers are trying to trade for a wide receiver, but if they strike out on guys like DK Metcalf, Courtland Sutton, and Brandon Aiyuk, they could pivot to a free agent like Zay Jones. While he’s not nearly as good as those aforementioned players, he can make life easier for Russell Wilson while alleviating pressure on rookie wideout Roman Wilson.