Over the past decade, few players across the NFL have been as dominant as Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones. The former sixth overall pick in the 2011 draft has become one of the most unstoppable weapons in the league during his time in the pros. In ten seasons, he has made seven Pro Bowls, two All-Pro teams, and has totaled 12,896 yards receiving. Certainly, he is on his way to the Hall of Fame one day. But Jones has solidified himself in the conversation, if there even needs to be one, for being the greatest Falcon of all time.
And for that reason, it is heartbreaking for Falcons fans to hear that he has requested a trade. Recent reports have indicated that Jones approached new General Manager Terry Fontenot months ago about being dealt. It goes without saying a player of Jones’ caliber is not going to be traded for next to nothing. However, it is clear that Jones may have played his final down for the team.
Meanwhile, the New York Jets, like every other NFL organization, are definitely keeping an eye on the situation. After all, Jones is arguably the best offensive weapon since entering the league. Meaning that any team would trade for him in a heartbeat. Then again, there is more in play than simply acquiring the 32-year-old receiver. That being said, do not expect the Jets to make a splash in trading for Julio Jones this off-season.
No, the New York Jets Will Not Trade for Julio Jones
The Reality of Acquiring Julio Jones
Obviously, one can go on and on about how Julio Jones has been the model for a number one receiver since being drafted. A 6’3” and 220-pound monster of an athlete who can do it all is exactly what every team wants. But the fact of the matter is his prime may be behind him.
Now, this is not saying he cannot be that top weapon in an offense. In fact, one only needs to go back to 2019 for his last Pro Bowl season, where he caught 99 passes for 1,394 yards and six touchdowns in just 15 games. Nevertheless, chances are he is not going to have another 1,677-yard season as he did in 2018, or another 1,871-yard season as he did in 2015 again.
Another major factor that needs to be taken into consideration is his contract. A contract that is the primary reason as to why he has not yet been traded already. Jones is set to make over $23-million this season, and over $19-million in 2022 and 2023. If the Falcons were to move him after June 1st though, the team saves money against their own cap as it is spread out over the next two years.
Additionally, it is hard to overlook Jones’ age and that he only played in nine games last season. Nobody is doubting his ability, as he put up 771 yards on 51 receptions in 2020. Yet, at this point in his career, a team must take his age and health into consideration too.
Not a Joe Douglas Move
As big of a decision to move Julio Jones will be for the Falcons, it may be a bigger one for the team acquiring him. It is going to take significant capital to trade for Jones, even if it is just a first or second-round pick. It is a risk made for a team built to win now. And because of those factors, it is unlikely Jets General Manager Joe Douglas throws all he has at Fontenot to trade for Jones.
Douglas’ philosophy has always been to build through the draft and avoid horrendous contracts. He moved on from Le’Veon Bell’s and has already been shopping C.J. Mosley. Odds are that he would not want to acquire Jones for the salary implications alone.
There is also the matter of the Jets timeline. It is the reason why Sam Darnold is no longer the quarterback. Douglas has spent years now with the Jets executing his vision for the team, and now has a rookie quarterback contract on his payroll. While that may be a reason to take on a Jones-type deal, the truth is that the Jets are not built to win now. 2021 is going to be a developmental year and the first with Head Coach Robert Saleh. Now is not the time to swing for the fences.
State of the Jets Receiving Corps
It is also worth noting the time and effort the Jets have put in to strengthen their receiving corps this off-season. Already, it appears to be one of the strongest they have had in years. New York added Corey Davis and Keelan Cole via free agency to join Jamison Crowder and Denzel Mims. The Jets also selected Elijah Moore in the second round, who is likely to have an impact right out of the gate in offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur’s offense. Those five are all fantastic options for Zach Wilson to throw to, and also are all under 30-years-old.
It would be exciting to see Julio Jones on the New York Jets come Week 1. Just, unless it comes in Madden, it is unlikely Jets fans will ever see it happen.
Main Photo: Embed from Getty Images
