photo: @Ravens
Jacoby Jones is back in Baltimore and will once again be dancing on Sundays.
Jones made it official today by signing his new four-year deal worth a reported $14 million with $4.5 million guaranteed, opting to stay in Baltimore after turning down more money from the New York Giants.
“I was in New York walking around I think I came to my senses,” Jones proclaimed at his press conference. “I think (Baltimore) is the only place that would let me be myself.”
Jones enjoyed a quality 2013 appearing in 12 games, including nine starts despite missing four games to injury.
The big play threat had his biggest year receiving for the Ravens despite a sluggish Ravens offense. Jones tallied 37 receptions on 66 targets, 455 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
“Jacoby is a playmaker,” John Harbaugh said as he welcomed Jones back.
“I think everybody understands what he brings to the table in terms of his ability to break open a game. He’s also a quality receiver, a special teams player and he’s also a guy that can do the things that you need to do to move the chains when you need them moved.”
While it’s true that Tandon Doss outperformed Jones in punt returns in 2013 due to the injury Jones suffered early in the season, Jones’ return skills are second to none.
In 2013 Jones returned 31 kickoffs for 892 total yards averaging 28.8 yards a return including one touchdown.
The 2012 Pro-Bowler’s best game in 2013 came against the New York Jets, when he posted 249 total yards including his 103 receiving yards to go along with his five punt returns for 108 yards (21.6 avg.) and 38 kickoff return yards in the 19-3 win.
The move to retain Jones was ideal for the Ravens. There is great cost effectiveness for a guy who can be solid on offense and a star on special teams. Jones has shown, since his arrival in Baltimore in 2012, that he’s that guy.
Jones is excited for 2014 and to once again be playing for new offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak, whom he spent several years with in Houston.
“I never really knew my father. I think Kubiak is my father, we are going to have a DNA test to make sure,” Jones joked.
The Ravens are still expected to add another wide receiver, either through free agency or the draft (or perhaps both) but Jones is on board with whatever the Ravens decide to do.
“I will do whatever they want me to do,” Jones stated, and added that he would welcome wide receiver Steve Smith with open arms if the Ravens pursued him.
Harbaugh is excited, Jones is excited and as the Ravens head into the third day of free agency it’s safe to say the fan base is excited as well to see what the Ravens do next.
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