James Jones considered the Steelers before signing with the Raiders

James Jones considered #Steelers, #Browns, #Panthers, #Seahawks. In the end, source said, "He grew up wanting to play for the #Raiders"

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 18, 2014

An interesting ripple in the water. If the Steelers really were in talks with wide receiver James Jones - who has since signed with the Oakland Raiders, the Steelers have to have a specific plan in place for more cap room.

Or, it could simply be Jones throwing some team names out in response to tire kicks without specific numbers offered or negotiated.

Even better, maybe the Steelers just signed Guy Whimper instead. He solves the problem of depth at the Steelers' wide receiver position.

Jones signed a 3-year, $11.3 million deal with the Raiders, one of several similar deals being given to free agent wide receivers in this market. Ex-Steelers WR Jerricho Cotchery is in Carolina, reportedly working out a deal with the Panthers. Carolina also made a run at Jones, but in the end, Jones - from the Bay Area - felt more comfortable in Oakland.