James Jones on Return to Green Bay Packers: 'Like I Rose from the Dead'

The Green Bay Packers signed James Jones and are happy to have him back. Jones said that returning to Green Bay was "like rising from the dead." That may be going a bit too far, but it has to be a very exciting return for Jones to the team that gave him his first chance and helped give him some of his best years.

It is certainly a very entertaining move for the Packers' fan base, as Jones was a fan favorite during his first tenure with Green Bay. He decided to sign with the Oakland Raiders in free agency last offseason and didn't have a bad first year with them. They decided to release him anyway and Green Bay was happy to see the New York Giants release him as well.

During the 2014 season with the Raiders, Jones ended up catching 73 passes for 666 yards and six touchdowns. Those numbers would be huge for Green Bay if he can replicate them in 2015, which is more than possible for him with Aaron Rodgers throwing the football his way.

Jones talked about reuniting with the Packers and how happy he is to be back in Green Bay.

"A lot of hugs I've been giving out here," Jones said. "Like I rose from the dead a little bit. But a lot of love. I appreciate it. It's good to see these guys. They were family to me for seven years, so it's good to be back home."

At 31 years old, Jones is a very nice fit for the third receiver role that the Packers need him to fill. Green Bay wanted to bring in a veteran who had experience, while also having Rodgers' full trust. Jones was one of his favorite targets just a few seasons ago and the two will likely pick up where they left off without any trouble.

Obviously Jones is very excited and relieved to be back in a familiar situation. His comments make it clear that he realized just how much more difficult things are away from Rodgers and the Green Bay offense.

Just three seasons ago with the Packers, Jones led the NFL with 14 touchdown receptions. That season was the best year that Jones has had in his career and it was obvious that Rodgers had an excellent chemistry with him. He isn't necessarily a big play receiver, but he is capable of making plays down the field and in the short game.

All of that being said, it will be very interesting to see what kind of season Jones has in his return to Green Bay.

Expect to see him come out strong to open the season and play a very big role for the Packers. He isn't likely to be a superstar, but he will be exactly the type of target that Rodgers needed to help replace Nelson.