Marvin Jones Could Solve Washington’s Wide Receiver Woes

With the NFL trade deadline less than one week away, the rumor mill is beginning to circulate as teams look to either prepare for a postseason run or prepare for the seasons ahead.

For the Washington Football Team, their 2-5 record puts them in a unique position heading into a bye week: Back by a half-game in the NFC East race, yet currently set to draft in the first ten picks.

Should the Washington Football Team decide to make a run at the NFC East crown, its top priority on offense should be to find a complement to star wide receiver Terry McLaurin. McLaurin, the second-year receiver from Ohio State, has emerged as Washington’s top offensive threat, tallying 577 yards and two touchdowns in the opening seven games. The remaining wide receivers on the roster have combined for 387 total yards and three touchdowns during the same span.

With no true second wide receiver on the roster and only one (Dontrelle Inman) with more than three years of NFL experience, Washington could use a veteran presence in its facility as well.

Earlier this week, the rumor mill presented a possible solution: Detroit Lions veteran Marvin Jones.

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In his ninth season, Jones has tallied 226 yards through six games, exceeding the total of every Washington receiver minus McLaurin. With only 19 receptions, Jones is averaging greater than a first down on every reception, which would open up the field for whatever quarterback head coach Ron Rivera starts. Despite this, Jones is on pace to have less yards and receptions than any season since his rookie campaign in 2012.

Jones, who is in the final year of a five-year, $40 million contract, has been the subject of trade rumors throughout the month, with CBS’ Cody Benjamin hypothesizing interest from the Baltimore Ravens.

While neither the Lions nor Jones have spoken about these rumors, Jones has not been happy with his role this season. The Detroit Free Press’ Carlos Monarrez reported that Lions offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell recognizes Jones’ disappointment:

"“I’ll tell you the truth,” Bevell said. “I mean, the guy does get frustrated. I think any time you’re a player of his caliber you feel like if I get the ball, I’m going to help the team.”"

With the Washington Football Team, Jones would see an increase from his 30 total targets. On a team that spends a lot of time trailing, the potential for targets are there for Jones alongside McLaurin and red-zone threat tight end Logan Thomas.

Jones and Washington seem like a pairing primed for success, if the Washington Football Team decides to contend for the NFC East title. With the division title wide open and a solid veteran potentially on the trading block, the Washington Football Team should attempt to lure Jones to Landover.