Josh Jones’ public trade demand Tuesday offers a fitting metaphor for the Green Bay Packers’ safety position for years. Jones represents Ted Thompson’s failures to remedy a gaping hole that has burned deeply into this roster ever since Nick Collins’ early injury-forced retirement. After signing Adrian Amos and trading up for Darnell Savage, at the very least Brian Gutekunst undertook considerable efforts to remake the safety position.
Jones, the last vestige of the capital Thompson invested at the position, now wants out. It’s been made clear the Packers aren’t particularly interested in using Jones either, as evidenced in Mike Pettine’s resolve to try nearly every possible player ahead of him last season.