Oakland Raiders: Making the case to trade for safety Josh Jones

Josh Jones has an uncertain future with the Green Bay Packers. The Oakland Raiders could use a safety who can also play linebacker in today’s NFL.

One team’s throwaway is another squad’s solid pickup. The Oakland Raiders should inquire about Green Bay Packers safety Josh Jones in an attempt to bolster their defense.

Ever since the Packers hired defensive coordinator Mike Pettine, Jones has witnessed his workload take a major hit. In 2017, under Dom Capers, he lined up for 69.49 percent of the defensive snaps, logging 56 solo tackles — five for loss — five pass breakups and an interception.

Last year, the 24-year old saw the field for 47.09 percent of the defensive snaps, registering 40 solo tackles, two for loss and two pass breakups.

At one point, Jones appeared on USA Today Network-Wisconsin’s online show and made a case to earn his worth on the field.

"You ain’t going to [draft] a player in the second round to not contribute to the team. I mean, am I right or am I wrong? Some guys, they enjoy just getting a check every two weeks. They’re OK with just being mediocre and not improving and just being one of the guys on the team. Me? I want to work for what I get. I don’t just want to get a check and feel like I didn’t do nothing for it. Especially when you know you can be out there, you can contribute to the team. That’s what hurts the most. It’s tough, trust me. It’s real tough."

Clearly, Jones didn’t enjoy idle time on the sidelines. Last season, through Week 8, he played four defensive snaps.

Ha Ha Clinton-Dix‘s departure via trade and the team’s decision to waive Jermaine Whitehead thinned the safety position, which thrust Jones back into a bigger workload starting Week 9 through the end of the year.

In May, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reported Jones skipped organized team activities to push for a move out of Green Bay. According to Michael Cohen, formerly of The Athletic, general manager Brian Gutekunst will keep his options open in regards to Jones’ standing with the team.

"“I think it’s more about what our team desire is, and right now we’re kind of working through that,” Gutekunst said. “But he’s a very talented player. He’s shown that on the field at the times. We’ll go along and see where it goes."

Rookie first-rounder Darnell Savage’s development through training camp will likely determine Gutekunst’s next move with the disgruntled safety.

The Raiders should have Jones on their radar. At 6-2, 220 pounds with coverage skills, he could play nickel linebacker as a versatile asset. The 24-year-old would match up frequently with tight ends Travis Kelce, Hunter Henry and Noah Fant within the division.

Karl Joseph goes into a contract year after playing just 49.51 percent of the defensive snaps under play-caller Paul Guenther. He’s not a guarantee to finish the season with the Silver and Black. Regardless, Jones has two more years left on his rookie deal, which gives the coaching staff another season to evaluate him in a post-trade scenario.

Jones developed a reputation as a playmaker at North Carolina State on the collegiate level, registering 139 solo tackles, 17 pass breakups and eight interceptions; he flashed some of the same coverage and tackling skills during his rookie term in Green Bay.

In an expanded role, Jones’ shift between the linebacker and safety spots would allow Guenther to exercise scheme versatility. He’s capable of covering blind spots in the middle of the field with enough physical presence to supplement the run defense.