Owners tend to overlook aging players, especially players in their 30s. Many other owners also only like to trade big-name talent. However, sometimes the most effective trades to bolster your contending team require owners to acquire older under-the-radar talent to “Win Now.” Let’s look at one player that I think is extremely overlooked and is a top add for a bargain to help your depth through byes and injuries. Marvin Jones was drafted in the fifth round of the 2012 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals. From 2012 to 2015, Jones was the WR2 for the Bengals behind the stud AJ Green. In 2015, he signed a five-year deal with the Lions, then in 2021, he signed a two-year deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Marvin Jones is the poster boy for a low-cost acquisition that could pay dividends in your flex spot.
Durability
Jones has been incredibly durable throughout his career. He has only missed one full season (2013 due to an ankle injury). Between 2017 and 2021, Jones played 88% of the games (71 of 81 regular season games). He has played every game since the start of the 2020 season. Jones has not had an extensive injury history to worry about and can be relied on for production.
Fantasy Production
For fantasy purposes, he has been even more consistent. Jones has averaged 90.33 targets per year since he was drafted in all seasons that he appeared in at least one game. His average yards per catch is 13.8, and he has never fumbled in HIS ENTIRE CAREER. He has accumulated 842.80 PPR fantasy points between 2017 through 2021, which is an average of 13.28 fantasy points per game. Finally, Jones has averaged slightly more than six touchdowns per season that he has appeared in one game.
Jones is again the WR2 in the young offense with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Believe in the consistency and acquire him to play for bye weeks or injuries. In weeks one and two of 2022, Jones was targeted 11 times for four catches and 71 total yards and figures to continue to be a part of the passing attack.
Trade Value
Looking through the trade browser on the DynastyGM, Jones is going for pennies.
2023-2025 third-round picks are well worth the investment for a perennial +13 points per game scorer. Velus Jones for Marvin Jones is also worth it, as Velus Jones does not project to have any fantasy impact during his career. David Johnson isn’t even active at this current moment! There are also trades where you could get Marvin Jones plus another depth player like Randall Cobb or Ronald Jones for those same third-round picks. Always remember that third-round picks are dart throws at best.
Only one trade I saw in the last three months gave me significant pause. I have attached it below because I am stunned that MVS netted Marvin Jones AND a 2023 1st. Marvin Jones’ side all day for me on that one. WOW.
Digging deeper into the data, we looked at all players during that same 2017-2021 period; here are some players who have averaged equal to or fewer fantasy points per game than Marvin Jones:
- DJ Moore – 13.28 FPPG
- Allen Robinson – 13.12 FPPG
- Mark Andrews – 12.67 FPPG (38% of all fantasy points scored since joining the league occurred last season)
To win a championship, top-end talent is crucial, but depth may be even more crucial. Injuries do occur, and you have to anticipate losses and replacements. Jones is undervalued in the trade market and should be added to any contender roster for solid depth at the flex position, especially in leagues with 14 or more teams or leagues with three or more flex spots.
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