Key Takeaways:
– Free agent and former Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Zay Jones is set to meet with Kansas City Chiefs.
– Jones was the all-time receptions leader in college football with 399 receptions.
– Jones had a successful NFL career in the past and was successful in Jacksonville before facing injuries.
– Kansas City Chiefs are still looking for a boundary receiver and see potential in Jones.
– Chiefs are hosting Zay Jones just after the completion of their rookie minicamp.
The Kansas City Chiefs are rumored to host a visit with free agent wide receiver Zay Jones on Thursday, May 9, as reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. This comes after Jacksonville released Jones last week. Prior to this, Jones had meetings with Titans, Cardinals, and Cowboys, making the Chiefs his next potential team.
Zay Jones: From College Football to Kansas City Chiefs?
Jones, originally from East Carolina, started his NFL journey as the FBS history’s all-time receptions leader, earning him the 37th spot in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft organized by the Buffalo Bills. Standing tall at 6-foot-2 and weighing 200 pounds, Jones had a two-season stint with Buffalo before he was traded to the then-Oakland Raiders in October 2019 in a trade for a 2021 fifth-round pick.
After his time with the Raiders, Jones was a free agent for the first time in 2022, and promptly signed a lucrative three-year, $24 million contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars. His most productive season in the NFL was with the Jaguars during the 2022 season, setting career-highs with 121 targets, 82 catches, and 823 receiving yards, as confirmed by Pro Football Reference.
Jones’s NFL Journey Marred by Injuries
Unfortunately, injuries have been a setback in his promising career. Hamstring and knee injuries led to Jones missing eight regular games during the 2023 season. However, when active, Jones proved valuable with 34 receptions on 64 targets for a handsome 321 yards and two touchdowns.
Jones’s stint with the Jaguars ended abruptly when he was released on April 30, five days after the team drafted LSU wideout Brian Thomas Jr. This move saw the Jaguars save $4.1 million against the cap.
Chiefs’ Quest for Boundary Playmaker Might End With Jones
Even after clinching the Super Bowl title twice and having Texas wide receiver Xavier Worthy and Marquise “Hollywood” Brown in their offensive lineup, the Chiefs are still in search of a boundary receiver. The only receiver taller than Jones on Kansas City’s roster is third-year wideout Justyn Ross, who despite his size, hasn’t secured a significant role on the team’s offense.
Jones, with his ability to play the slot and outstanding performance in contested catch situations, fits the bill for the Chiefs. Hosting Jones just after their three-day rookie minicamp shows the immediate need and interest in reinforcing their receiver lineup.
Jones’s potential signing also aligns with the Chiefs’ budget, having $18.5 million in their cap space.
Social Media Buzz About Jones’s Visit to Chiefs
Fans and critics alike took to social media platform X, formerly Twitter, to voice opinions about the Chiefs hosting Zay Jones. Different perspectives on his potential influence on the team were shared, with some seeing him as a ‘solid vet’ who can fill in important gaps, while others see him as a decent fourth or fifth option in offense.
While the Chiefs’ definitive decision about Jones remains uncertain, the interest being shown by the team gives fans and onlookers much to speculate about.