Wide receiver Jacoby Jones could be used by the New Orleans Saints

The Houston Texans announced today that they have released wide receiver/kick returner Jacoby Jones.  If the New Orleans Saints haven’t already, they should at least look into him.

Jones was a third round pick for the Texans in 2007 and has 127 receptions for 1,741 yards ans 11 touchdowns in his career.  While that may not be outstanding numbers, Jones also has another skill the Saints could use.

He was known as a kick and punt returner for the Texans as well.  In kick returns he had 64 returns for 1,490 yards with one touchdown and averaged 23.3 yards a return.

As a punt returner, Jones had 179 for 1,820 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 10.2 yards a return.  This could help current Saints return specialist Darren Sproles out a bit.

Now Jones will no way unseat Sproles as the Saints “go to” player on returns, but they can’t rely on Sproles on a constant basis.  Prime example, the 2012 NFC Divisional Playoff Game vs. the San Francisco 49ers.

When running back Pierre Thomas was knocked out of the game and Sproles was the main running back, special teams captain Courtney Roby had to fill in on return duties.