Argos sign former NFL receiver, ratio-breaking Canadian pass catcher T.J. Jones

The Toronto Argonauts have signed ratio-breaking Canadian receiver T.J. Jones, per sources.

Jones was a free agent for CFL purposes.

The 27-year-old was a sixth round pick, 189th overall in the 2014 NFL draft by the Detroit Lions. He played the first four seasons of his NFL career in the Motor City. During 45 NFL games, Jones has made 67 receptions for 852 yards and five touchdowns.

The six-foot, 190-pounder can return kicks and punts as well. Jones has 14 kick returns for 292 yards and 29 punt returns for 289 yards. He has 4.48 40-yard speed and is dynamic in the open field.

The University of Notre Dame product made three catches for 38 yards and one touchdown plus eight punt returns for 96 yards — including a 60-yarder – but fumbled three times, losing two in three games with the New York Giants in 2019.

Jones caught 12 passes for 146 yards and two touchdowns in the pre-season with New York. Due to his veteran status, Jones was not eligible for a practice roster spot with any NFL team. Through parts of seven NFL seasons, Jones made nearly $4 million.

While playing for the Fighting Irish, Jones recorded 181 receptions for 2,429 yards and 19 touchdowns plus two rushing TDs. During his senior season at Notre Dame, Jones caught 70 balls for 1,108 yards and nine touchdowns. The Winnipeg native had six catches for 90 yards in the 2013 BCS National Championship loss to the University of Alabama.

Jones has all the potential to be a CFL ratio-changer.

Justin Dunk
Justin Dunk is a football insider, sports reporter and anchor.