Charlie Jones had a choice. Go back to the Cincinnati Bengals, to his familiar role there as a punt and kickoff returner, or join the New York Giants’ 53-man roster. For Jones, the choice to stay with the Giants was an easy one.
“I have respect for that organization [the Bengals]. They drafted me. It’s just not the right fit. They chose to go in a different direction,” Jones said while standing at his locker on Wednesday. “I’m trying to prove what I can do [as] more than just a returner.”
Jones, 27,
was a fourth-round selection by the Bengals in the 2023 NFL Draft. He caught just eight passes over those three seasons, only one in the past two years. The Bengals have star wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. In front of Jones in New York are Malik Nabers, Darnell Mooney, and Malachi Fields.
Jones was cut by the Bengals at the end of the preseason and joined the Giants practice squad. The Bengals were interested in a reunion after cutting returner Ke’Shawn Williams, who muffed a punt Sunday in Cincinnati’s loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Jones said he signed with the Giants always believing that there would be a spot for him on the 53-man roster.
“I think that was our thinking. Making this the move and staying here once the opportunity to go back was given. When you have two number ones in your room, like Ja’Marr and Tee, it’s tough for everyone else,” Jones said. “I’ve been waiting since I got in the league to really show what I can do as a receiver. I waited basically my whole college career to show that as well.”
Jones played at Buffalo and Iowa his first three collegiate seasons, catching just 39 passes. At Purdue in his final collegiate season, he caught 110 passes for 1,361 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Jones is a quality return man. He has averaged 9.2 yards on 50 punts returns, and 27.3 yards on 45 kickoff returns. With Deonte Banks continuing to nurse a calf injury and Tyrone Tracy now on the injury report with a knee issue, it seems likely we will see Jones paired with Braxton Berrios on kickoff return this week against the Arizona Cardinals.
“I’m excited to get back and start returning again,” Jones said. “Then finally have opportunities on offense to help out.”
