New England Patriots, Julio Jones a match made in NFL heaven
If indeed the New England Patriots rock the NFL world and acquire Julio Jones in a deal with the Atlanta Falcons it would be absolute heaven, at least for Pats fans.
As for the rest of the NFL, particularly the AFC, this could be hell as the addition of Jones would propel Bill Belichick and crew back towards the top of AFC contention no matter if the team rolls with Cam Newton or 2021 first-round pick Mac Jones shows he is ready now.
So, what is the deal with Jones?
According to an NFL Network’s Steven Wyche, the cap-strapped Falcons are interested in moving the 32-year-old wide receiver. That reported instantly had Patriots written all over it as a potential deal would make sense on paper.
Not only does Belichick have the cap space to get it done, but they also have the need for a special creature like Julio Jones.
New England Patriots doing their homework on Julio Jones
Apparently, they also have the interest as a report by NFL Network’s Mike Giardi reported. The Patriots have had some internal discussions about acquiring the potential No. 1 receiver, which is music to the ears of Patriots fans who have been dreaming for a Jones to New England deal for the past couple seasons.
Can't speak to what Julio Jones wants, but was told the #Patriots have had internal discussions about the wide receiver. The 32-year old had been incredibly durable until this past season when he dealt with a troublesome hamstring.
— Mike Giardi (@MikeGiardi) May 22, 2021
Well, that fantasy can indeed happen, but what would it take to land a talent like Jones?
Along with taking on the $15.3 million in guaranteed money, the New England Patriots would have to give up some trade capital. It could take a first and an additional pick or a second or third along with a player.
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With rumors also floating around about the team having interest in cornerback Richard Sherman, a young player like J.C. Jackson or wide receiver N’Keal Harry are options.
One would think Stephon Gilmore, but a cap-strapped team like the Falcons would probably shy away from a player also looking for an extension.
What Julio Jones can do for the New England Patriots
With rumors that Julio Jones would like to play with Cam Newton, the Patriots appear to be a top destination for the league’s best wide receiver over the past few seasons.
A player who has averaged 1,564.66 yards per season form 2014-19, any team pursuing Jones should be confident that he still has it after dealing with an injury in 2020. Jones still averaged 85.7 yards per game which far and away trumps any production from Patriots’ receivers the last couple years.
In adding him to the mix with the two-headed tight end monster of Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith would give Cam the offensive weapons he needs to succeed. And even if it is now Newton taking the snaps come Week 1, a force like Julio Jones would make things easier for Mac Jones.
As far as Bill Belichick and whether he would pull the trigger on a deal. Well, the team was reportedly in on other wide receivers like Stefon Diggs and Odell Beckham Jr. over the past few years and did sign Antonio Brown, so the Patriots coach and GM isn’t shy when it comes to acquiring top talent.
dark. Next. Trade for Julio Jones could re-shape AFC
It just has to make sense, and Julio Jones makes too much sense.
Think Randy Moss and Corey Dillon. An NFL superstar at the end of his career looking for a revival is the definition of a Belichick move. Make it happen New England Patriots, make it happen.