Though he has been a subject of considerable discussion and reporting and rumors in the past 12 months, Tennessee Titans cornerback Adam “Pacman” Jones has officially been out of the NFL for one full year as of today.

Happy anniversary?

Moving forward, his status remains unclear.  He applied for reinstatement after ten regular-season games in 2007, and his request was rejected.  NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has indicated that he will review Jones’ situation before the opening of training camp.

Some league insiders think that Jones will never play again in the NFL, and that Goodell is being deliberate regarding Jones’ status in a deliberate effort to cajole him into saying or doing something that will justify a further suspension.

If/when Jones is permitted to return, his destination is equally unclear.  The Cowboys were presumed to be on the verge of trading for Jones, but discussions have bogged down.  Recently, owner Jerry Jones indicated that, the longer it takes for the deal to happen, the less likely the deal becomes.

Terry McCormick of the Nashville City Paper reports that the New England Patriots could eventually emerge as a candidate for Pacman’s services.  Per McCormick, the Pats have talked to the Titans on a behind-the-scenes basis, but have not yet formally negotiated with the team about a trade.

On the surface, it seems highly unlikely that the Patriots would want Jones.  Then again, who would have guessed a year ago that they’d pursue Randy Moss?