With Donald Driver retiring and Greg Jennings looking like a safe bet to play elsewhere, the Packers receiving corps will have a different look next season.
Wide receiver James Jones thinks it can be a very good look. Jones said Tuesday that he’s excited about the prospect of joining Randall Cobb and Jordy Nelson in a trio capable of putting up huge numbers on the receiving end of passes from Aaron Rodgers.
“It’s exciting because it means more opportunities. As long as we can stay healthy, it means more opportunities for me, Randall and Jody. When you lose playmakers like Donald and if Greg doesn’t sign back, that’s two less guys we gotta give the ball to which means you’re going to get a lot more action,” Jones said, via NFL.com. “I can see me, Jordy and Randall getting about 80 catches a piece. I can see us all having over 1,000 yards.”
None of the three receivers sure to be back in Green Bay topped the 1,000-yard mark in 2012 as Cobb led the team with 954 yards, but they’d be awfully close to fulfilling Jones’ premonition if Nelson hadn’t missed four games and if you parceled out the 443 yards gained by Driver and Jennings the right way. Even if they don’t combine for 3,000-plus in 2013, there’s every reason to believe the Packers offense will soar next year.
That would be a very good thing for Jones. He can become a free agent after next season and would stand to cash in if he puts up big numbers after scoring 21 touchdowns over the last two seasons.