NFL Free Agent Rumors: James Jones of Green Bay Packers Heading to Minnesota?

Several players have made the jump between the two NFC North rivals in the division's recent history including Darren Sharper, Ryan Longwell and, of course, by way of the New York New York Jets, Brett Favre.

Backup wideout James Jones may be the next Packer to travel to the Twin Cities, where he would likely start opposite Percy Harvin, an opportunity he wouldn't receive in Green Bay. According to Judd Zulgad, who covers the Minnesota Vikings for the Minneapolis Star Tribune, the "Vikings are making a serious run at Packers free agent wide receiver James Jones."

The Minnesota Vikings are very familiar with his skills after seeing him twice in each of the last few years. With his physicality and route-running talent, Jones has no problem breaking away from the defense, but he did struggle with drops as a Packer.

His old team had attempted to re-sign him, but there's no doubt that the Vikings are offering him a better deal, one that is very "close" to becoming final, says ESPNWisconsin senior NFL writer Jason Wilde.

After Sidney Rice's departure to Seattle, the arrival of James Jones would be welcomed in Minnesota, especially by its newly signed quarterback, the veteran Donovan McNabb. This move would most likely end rumors that the team is pursuing Braylon Edwards or Malcom Floyd.

The signing would also add a little more flavor to the upcoming matchups between the Pack and the Vikes, but not nearly as much as when Favre suited up in purple.

Now that the NFL lockout is over, Minnesota's offense has the potential to become very interesting heading into the 2011 season, with the potential to make a run for the division crown once again.