James Jones Wants to Start

[vince]

http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20110307/PKR01/110307152/1058/Tender-hand-WR-Jones-search-starting-position

“My main thing going through all this, do I want to be a starter in the National Football League?” Jones said. “No question. Do I feel like I’m a starter? No question. … I know we have something great here. This team can win some championships for the next couple years.

“But, at the same time, I do want to be a starter. I don’t know if that’ll ever happen here with Donald (Driver) playing until he’s 40.”

[Fritz]

See ya, James. Sounds to me like he's ripe for any team willing to overpay him and give him a starting gig. Sounds like being a starter is worth more to him than getting fifty or sixty catches a year and playing for what looks to be a long-term contender.

[Patler]

I think he wants to stay, but also be paid reasonably well. Nothing wrong with that.

“When I was coming out of college my main goal was to stay at one place my whole career,” Jones said. “But at the same time you have to do what’s best for your family. At the same time, it’s not up to me. It’s up to the organization.
“Hopefully we can do something to keep me here. … It’s up to them. If they don’t want me back, I’ve got to go play somewhere else, right?”

[channtheman]

I think it's probably most guys goal to start in the NFL, especially younger ones. If Jones starts catching the ball he will easily be number 2/3 with Jordy and Jennings as the number 1. Driver will take more of a back up role (which we already saw start to happen this past year, Driver is not getting any better). Catch the ball this year, get paid well next offseason, and be a starter for one team that has a great chance at winning Super Bowls for the next 3-5 years should be his goals.

[HarveyWallbangers]

Actually, I thought he came across very well in the article. I don't have a problem with anything he said. Perhaps Driver could volunteer to come off the bench.

[mission]

Actually, I thought he came across very well in the article. I don't have a problem with anything he said. Perhaps Driver could volunteer to come off the bench.

Agreed. I'm actually surprised with his comments, always took him as someone who didn't want to be here and just couldn't wait to go cash in with the Raiders or something.

I'd like to see us keep him around for the right price.

[Fritz]

I'm not saying he's a bad guy or his goals are unworthy; I'm simply suggesting that to me, it sounds like the case of a player who wants coin and starting more than he wants to play a role on a contending team. The whole "take care of my family line" is a classic example of a line a guy trots out when the paycheck is what's uppermost.

I'm not saying he's wrong or evil. Just that my guess is that he'll be gone. I'm not sure that Thompson or MM would be willing to guarantee starting work the way they appear to have done with Hawk and Bishop.

[Cheesehead Craig]

But what does the key phrase "Hopefully we can do something to keep me here. … It’s up to them. If they don’t want me back, I’ve got to go play somewhere else, right?” mean to Mr. Jones? Does it mean that the only way he sees the Pack as wanting him is if he's paid like a starter? Does it mean a longer term deal with lots of incentives? Here's hoping they are on the same page and Jones doesn't drop the ball on a deal with staying with a winner.

[Guiness]

It does sound to me like he's more likely gone than staying. As soon as I see the 'take care of my family' line I think they're going to go for the money, where ever it is.

It certainly doesn't sound like he's closing the door though. No mention of not being respected because he's not already a starter and been extended. That would've been a big nail in the coffin. Maybe the Pack can convince him to a one year contract, and another shot at a ring but still allowing him to hit FA in his prime?

[Scott Campbell]

I don't know how you commit big money and a long term contract to this guy at this point in his career. He hasn't proved reliable on the field. He's occasionally exceptional, and occasionally awful.

[Smidgeon]

With the way M3 spread the ball to his #2-#4 receivers, aren't they all pseudo-starters?

[Guiness]

I wonder if Jones understands how good he has it in GB, and how good the franchise is. Maybe a couple years of taking care of his family collecting a paycheck from a dysfunctional team would be character building.

I hope if he leaves, he signs with the Bengals, and has Palmer throwing him the ball. Jordan Palmer.

[Joemailman]

TT will put a value on Jones. That value will likely be that of a #2 WR at best. If some team wants to pay Jones as a #1, he'll be gone. Why wouldn't he? He won't be #1 here as long as Jennings is healthy. If, on the other hand, Jones' inconsistency causes teams to downgrade him a bit, TT should have a shot at signing him.

[Tarlam!]

TT will put a value on Jones. That value will likely be that of a #2 WR at best. If some team wants to pay Jones as a #1, he'll be gone. Why wouldn't he? He won't be #1 here as long as Jennings is healthy. If, on the other hand, Jones' inconsistency causes teams to downgrade him a bit, TT should have a shot at signing him.

This. Excellent analysis, IMO. Also agree with those that aren't offended by his comments, yet are wary about the "family man" cannon ball fired across the bow.

[Patler]

If any of you were in his shoes, what would you say?

"I've never really wanted to be a starter. I am perfectly content with being the #3 or #4 receiver, as long as Aaron Rodgers is throwing the ball to me. I know I could make more money elsewhere, but seriously, I will accept whatever Green Bay wants to pay me. Maybe I can't make enough to set-up my family for life, but so what? I can always get another job after my NFL career is done. I just want to be a Packer."

Some how, I doubt it.