NFL Spin Zone
Fansided

Dallas Cowboys: Can A.J. Jenkins have career revival in Texas?

By Stephen Forsha

facebooktwitterreddit

The Dallas Cowboys continued to look for diamonds in the rough this offseason on Tuesday by signing free agent wide receiver A.J. Jenkins following a workout with the team.

This signing has no downfalls for the Cowboys and nothing but possible upside because Jenkins was a first-round selection just a few short years ago in the NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers out of the University of Illinois.

Though Jenkins never panned out with the 49ers following his 2012 first-round selection (30th overall), he was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs the following offseason and played a total of 28 games for the club in two seasons.

More from Dallas Cowboys

Jenkins’ stats don’t stand out much, so there are no guarantees he will make a difference or even make the roster for the Cowboys. The fact the Cowboys are taking a chance to add him to the roster is a big deal if it works out, and if not it was a solid attempt to improve their depth.

David Helman of DallasCowboys.com wrote this on Tuesday about the signing of Jenkins:

"“The move gives the Cowboys another competitor for their fifth receiver spot, which is vacant after Dwayne Harris departed in free agency in March. The Cowboys didn’t address the position in the NFL draft, but they signed five undrafted free agents in addition to Jenkins.”"

As a wide receiver the past two seasons in Kansas City, Jenkins has totaled 223 yards on just 17 receptions. His average is 13.1 yards per reception, and his longest reception was in ’13 at 48 yards.

This past season, Jenkins totaled 93 yards on nine receptions for a 10.3 yards per reception.

Sep 21, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver

A.J. Jenkins

(15) makes a catch prior to a game against the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

What could really be a great deal for the Cowboys is the possibility of Jenkins contributing to the special teams. It is an idea that could work, and it would maybe make the Cowboys forget about even thinking of using superstar wide receiver Dez Bryant ever again at that spot.

Just three short years ago, Jenkins ran a 4.39 second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, but it is no secret the 49ers really reached and made Jenkins a surprise first-round choice. Looking back, it can easily be said Jenkins should have not been a first-round selection.

But what didn’t work out for his previous teams could be a blessing for the Cowboys. They’ve had the knack to make receivers produce in their offense who might not have the biggest names, including Terrance Williams and even Cole Beasley.

With a player who has speed like Jenkins, he could be the “down-the-field” threat the team could use to free up Bryant and Williams, and even Beasley, because that speed can distract the opposition.

The problem with Jenkins is he’s never lived up to that first-round selection, but with the Cowboys, the spotlight won’t even be near him with the likes of Tony Romo at quarterback, the running back situation and Bryant being the top receiver.

Jenkins could be a nice role player for the Cowboys, and then we all can see from there what he can offer the reigning NFC East champions this offseason.

Next: Is Jerry Jones the new Al Davis of the NFL?

More from NFL Spin Zone

Home/Dallas Cowboys