New England Patriots Rumors: Julio Jones is the ultimate prize

Could and would the New England Patriots go out and get a big-time receiver like Julio Jones?

The New England Patriots offense looked absolutely putrid against the Denver Broncos in Sunday’s 18-12 loss at Gillette Stadium.

Whether it was rust, lack of practice, or just pure execution, one of the glaring needs on this team led by Cam Newton is a need for a No. 1 receiver and no, his name isn’t Odell Beckham Jr., although fans wouldn’t frown at that possibility.

What would make Patriots fans light up and add fire to this offense is Julio Jones.  Yes, the man known as one of the top wide receivers in the entire NFL.  Talk about shaking things up.

Not only would the 1-5 Atlanta Falcons have to be willing to get rid of one of their stars to start a rebuild, Bill Belichick would have to most likely give up a No. 1 pick, a future mid-round draft pick and take on some of the salary of Julio Jones.  In taking a look at the breakdown of his remaining contract for the team who acquires him, the Patriots could afford to swing a deal.

But the question is are they willing?

If Julio Jones has the physical ability to continue to be one of the best wide receivers in the game, Belichick should absolutely give up a No. 1 pick if he believes his team can compete this season and by compete, I mean for a Super Bowl.

Julio Jones is still very dominant

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With nine catches for 157 yards in the team’s Week 1 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, the 31-year-old Jones has proven he still has that elite, athletic ability, which is exactly what the New England Patriots need to make Cam Newton a more dangerous quarterback and help both Julian Edelman and N’Keal Harry be more of a factor in the offense.

In providing that explosive factor, the complete Patriots’ offense would become that more dynamic because of how effective Newton can be both running and passing the ball.  Suddenly, having that outside threat opens things up a bit for Julian Edelman in the middle and perhaps would get the tight ends involved.

Admittedly, this kind of deal may be a difficult one to make even if COVID-19 wasn’t impacting the world of sports, but the Falcons are a team that may be looking to unload if they don’t win the next couple of games and now would be the time to get the most they can for a player like Julio Jones.

Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots are the ultimate trade partner in that respect.  They have the need, they have the resources, they have a quarterback starving for some offensive weapons, and they have the type of organization that would give Julio Jones a chance to win the ring he almost had back in Super Bowl LI.

If the Patriots are in a spot where they are still in contention come the NFL Trade Deadline, this is a deal that would certainly shake up the AFC.