Since the Raiders hired Jon Gruden as head coach, the team hasn’t been shy about bringing in veteran (some would even say aging) talent.
Among the acquisitions: wide receiver Jordy Nelson, linebacker Derrick Johnson and running back Doug Martin.
So why not Adam “Pacman” Jones?
The veteran cornerback, 34, came into the NFL back in 2005 as a first-round pick of the Titans out of West Virginia. He’s been a Pro Bowler and first-team All-Pro (in 2014) and has 16 career interceptions. Plus, as a punt and kickoff returner, he was an especially dangerous player early in his career, returning four punts for touchdowns in his first two NFL seasons.
Now Jones, who’s played the last eight seasons in Cincinnati, is a free agent and NFL analyst Eddie Borsilli of SiriusXM NFL Radio this week said he believes the Raiders could bring in Jones to compete for a job, especially considering Jones played for Paul Guenther with the Bengals. Guenther is the Raiders’ new defensive coordinator.
Tweeted Borsilli: “(Jones) said he’s 100 percent after groin surgery. Wouldn’t shock me if Oak brought him in. Yes, a vet, but can still play and knows the system.”
Last season, Jones played just nine games because of a groin injury. He had one interception and four passes defensed, along with 23 tackles. The year before, Jones started all 16 games, had an interception, seven passes defensed and was in on 66 tackles.
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Jones says he had groin surgery the week after this year’s Super Bowl and has been cleared by doctors to fully participate in all football activities.
“Running full speed,” he said. “Have been in contact with several teams. I expect it to pick up in the coming weeks.”
If Jones were to join the Raiders, he’d join a crowded field of cornerbacks, led by last year’s No. 1 pick, Gareon Conley, veteran free-agent signee Rashaan Melvin and the recently drafted Nick Nelson of Wisconsin.
