Atlanta Falcons receiver Julio Jones has been in the news a lot this past week, with swirling trade rumors and a publicity stunt on Fox’s Undisputed. “I’m out of there,” Jones told Undisputed’s Shannon Sharpe when asked about his future in Atlanta. Sharpe then asked if Jones wanted to join the Cowboys, to which Jones responded, “I ain’t going to Dallas, man. I never thought about going to them.”
Where is the top-10 receiver going to end up? He’s expected to be traded as early as next week, according to ESPN’s Dianna Russini. The Falcons have been offered a first-round pick for Jones as they engage in trade offers across the league, also per Russini. The question that matters the most is where could Jones end up? The teams that should be calling Atlanta include the Baltimore Ravens, New England Patriots and San Francisco 49ers.
The Ravens should acquire Jones because he most instantly solidifies their receiving corps, which throughout Lamar Jackson’s first three seasons, has been a mess. Marquise Brown is the best receiver Jackson’s thrown to, and he’s not an elite caliber guy. Giving Jackson a proven playmaker like Jones could elevate Jackson’s game similar to the way Josh Allen was elevated with the acquisition of Stefon Diggs.
From the perspective of New England, who’s in win-now mode, what good is a first-round pick next year when you can instantly have an elite receiver to throw to? Giving Cam Newton Jones, plus Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith to throw the ball to can help him return to Superman Cam. If Mac Jones is going to get run this season, giving him an elite playmaker will make the rookie’s job insanely more manageable.
The 49ers have a very similar perspective as the Patriots, with an incumbent veteran starter in place and his rookie backup waiting to take the job. Giving either quarterback a future Hall of Fame receiver instantly makes their job easier and elevates their ceiling. Jones also had incredibly productive years under Kyle Shannahan when he was the offensive coordinator for the Falcons.
In all likelihood, Jones’ days with the Falcons over. The question remains: where will he land?
Stay tuned for more updates.
