Re-Signing Jones Was Smart. Kuhn Too.

Good news depending on who you ask: The Packers this week reached a 3 year agreement with WR James Jones. The pass-catcher represented the last piece of significant free agent paperwork left in Packerland this offseason. James Jones proved invaluable during last year's Super Bowl run, coming up especially big in the playoffs, as well as in Super Bowl XLV. Many fans, however, lament Jones' bad habit of dropping passing. Thus, his potential re-signing came to be a contentious issue among cheeseheads. While I, myself, am guilty of the occasional mid-game knee-jerk "get 'em outta there" rant, I think Jones was the best of the last remaining WR's on the market, which made him an essential re-signing for a team looking to bottle last year's productivity. A 3rd round pick out of San Jose State, James Jones has missed just 6 games in four seasons, bringing in 149 completions at a 13.9 yard-per-play average, with 94 first downs and 13 touchdowns; Not bad for a 3rd tier wideout who essentially shares his post with Jordy Nelson. Jones, a fast and physical receiver, actually led the team last season in average YAC, tacking on over 6 yards to every pass play. With Driver getting older and more injury prone, the tandem of Jones and Nelson are definitely qualified to at least bridge the gap between the past and the future. Right now, the future looks to be rookie standout WR Randall Cobb, whose speed and fearlessness has dropped jaws all week at practice. But for the time being, I think Packer fans should feel comforted that last year's receiving corps is completely intact. The re-insertion of #88 TE Jermichael Finley doesn't hurt either.


Also signing a 3 year deal was FB John Kuhn. The fan favorite utility man earned this contract by hard nosed play, and old fashioned hard work. At a time when almost no other NFL team is stocking a fullback on their roster, the Packers seem to be kicking it old school. Having to compensate for their sheer lack of a running game last season, the Packers relied on Kuhn in the T-formation, which was such a flashback it was almost refreshing. And it worked! Kuhn proved his worth in blocking, catching out of the backfield, as well as on special teams. He has the body type to fill many spots on Ted Thompson's team, but perhaps more importantly, has the gusto to take on any role that is asked of him. And he's done so with remarkable reliability.

And now, a brief editorial:

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers rallied publicly for the re-singing of both players. He downplayed his influence on the final decision, but farbeit from the media to overblow this speculation. Ted Thompson is nothing if not sure of his decision making ability, and it is highly doubtful that any one player's pleas could impact his decisions, even a player with #12's cache. Any outlet still beating this dead horse is just hoping to resurrect it and ride into the fields of news content, and is not being honest with themselves or you. End rant.