The San Diego Chargers added another weapon for quarterback Philip Rivers on Friday, signing Pro Bowl receiver and return specialist Jacoby Jones to a two-year deal worth $5.5 million.
“I think he’s just an explosive player, and he’s proven that,” an excitable Philip Rivers said after hearing the news, via Chargers.com Managing Editor Ricky Henne. “He can do a little bit of everything, but it’s those chunk plays that you really think about with him. He’s obviously got the speed and range, and he’s long. I think he’ll fit in well.”
“The little I’ve talked to him, he’s got that swagger you like in a receiver and a playmaker,” Rivers added.
Jones, 30, doesn’t light up the stats sheet as a receiver with just 203 career receptions for 2,733 yards and 14 touchdowns in eight NFL seasons with the Texans (2007-11) and Ravens (2012-14).
But he certainly has the speed and big-play ability to be a valuable asset, likely as the Chargers’ No. 4 WR.
“I talked to Phil yesterday and again today when he was getting his workout in,” Jones said. “I interrupted him and he looked at me live I was crazy! He’s a really intense guy. Philip told me, ‘Hey man, I need a burner outside and I need you to get me an extra 10 yards.’ I said I could make that happen for you.”
Photo Credit: Chargers.com
Jones echoed Rivers’ sentiments that he’s going to be a great fit for San Diego’s offense.
“I see the style and the offense the Chargers have, and Philip will get the ball to anyone. If he sees you open, he’ll give it you you. So the rest of the offseason I am going to work my butt off. I mean, look at this roster! I won’t be double covered, I can tell you that! I’ve had Joe Flacco, who is a great deep ball thrower too. But Philip, when I get out here for OTA’s and get a feel for him, I think that I’ll really see the difference.”
The former third round pick (No. 73 overall) out of Lane College should provide a real spark on special teams after the Chargers finished 22nd and 16th in kick return and punt return average last season.
Over the last three seasons with the Ravens, Jones has amassed over 3,000 kick return yards and four touchdowns with a stellar 30.06 yards per return rate.
Last season, he finished in the Top 10 in the NFL in punt return yards (275) and came in second with 978 kick return yards and 30.6 yards per kick return.
“That return ability is big,” Rivers said. “Every little first down adds up. If his return causes us to need to get even two less first downs, that’s big! You get a return up to the 40 yard line; you’re close to points right now so that’s huge. And obviously, if he hits a huge home run and runs back a kick, you’re talking about completely changing the game. So he’s a really good addition for us.”
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