According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, Julio Jones wants to be traded to a contender, but only one with a “big-armed QB” who can deliver the deep ball.
If traded, Julio Jones wants to go to a contender, as most big-name players want, but one other thing I've heard intrigues: A big-armed QB that can deliver the deep ball. Jones wants to outrun DBs and get underneath the ball.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) June 5, 2021
Josina Anderson reported recently that a team involved in the chase for Jones said, “everyone is giving (the Falcons) time to think about it….” Anderson mentioned that these comments come from a team that prefers to deal a high mid-round pick for Jones, while Terry Fontenot also absorbs a “good share” of the seven-time Pro Bowler’s salary. With the return being that low, I could potentially see this strung out as Fontenot refuses to trade him away for pennies. I recently compiled every substantiated report of teams interested at one point in time, and the list is below.
Baltimore Ravens
According to ESPN, Baltimore is interested in Jones and would be “willing to get involved at the right price” as of May 30th. The Ravens don’t have enough cap space at the moment to absorb all of the$15.3 million owed to Jones in 2021, but they could rework contracts to create some space.
Philadelphia Eagles
Per Sports Illustrated’s Ed Kracz, the Eagles are interested in acquiring Jones and have reportedly offered a first-round pick. They might be the best landing spot for the All-Pro receiver, given the Eagles possess two first-round draft picks in 2022 and a conditional first-round pick from the Colts if Carson Wentz plays 75% of the snaps or plays 70% of the snaps in 2021 and the Colts make the playoffs.
Los Angeles Rams
On Sunday, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reported that a “source with knowledge of the dynamics” said Los Angeles had pulled out of the race for Jones due to their lack of first-round picks, which they don’t have until 2024. Atlanta is seeking a first-round selection, so I wouldn’t expect the Rams or any other contenders without a first to be in the race for Jones.
Seattle Seahawks
According to ESPN, Russell Wilson has already spoken to Jones on the phone about possibly playing in Seattle. On Sunday, ESPN’s Dianna Russini also reported that the Seahawks have made contact and are in discussions for Jones. Seattle is well under the cap threshold to afford the $15.3 million price tag for him, but contracts can always be reworked.
New England Patriots
Michael Giardi reported a week ago that the Patriots are interested in Julio Jones, and it makes sense financially as New England has more than enough cap space to acquire Jones without adjusting any other contracts. The draft compensation is where things have been disconnected, assuming Terry Fontenot wants a first and Bill Belichick is stuck somewhere else.
Tennessee Titans
Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reported on Sunday that “the current expectation is that, eventually, the Falcons will send Jones to the Titans for a second-round pick.” This would directly contradict the earlier ESPN report that the Falcons have a first-round offer on the table.
San Francisco 49ers
On Sunday, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reported that teams are watching the 49ers closely, even though they have minimal draft capital to offer after giving up multiple first-round picks for Trey Lance. What the 49ers do have that other franchises don’t is the cap space to immediately acquire Jones without having to shuffle any other contracts around.
There aren’t very many big arms on that list. Cam Newton may have a “big arm,” but it’s historically inaccurate. Jimmy Garoppolo, Ryan Tannehill, and Lamar Jackson have as much as Matt Ryan does when it comes to a deep ball. Russell Wilson and Matthew Stafford throw beautiful balls, but the Rams are already out of the sweepstakes. Seattle is the only plausible trade partner for Julio’s requests, but in an offense that wants to run the ball first, it seems unnecessary for the Seahawks.
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