NFL analyst Adam Rank published an article that discusses which NFL stars should be traded over the 2021 offseason. In it, is a long description as to why it’s time for the Atlanta Falcons to move on from Julio Jones.
Jones, who was drafted by the Falcons No. 6 overall in 2011, has consistently been in the conversation for ‘the best wide receiver in the NFL.’ However, with the emergence of fellow former Alabama star Calvin Ridley, Jones could be a viable trade piece to acquire other needs to fill out the team.
Rank even includes potential trade partners with the Falcons.
“It seems like a big-name receiver gets dealt every summer. Like the release of another Fast & Furious movie. You just kind of get desensitized to it all. And if I’m talking about Jones, I should also point out that Matt Ryan feels like a candidate to be traded, as well, if Arthur Smith wants to develop his own quarterback. Yes, the contract looks prohibitive at first blush, but stranger things have happened. It’d probably have to be a post-June 1 trade, for dead-cap reasons. Send him to Pittsburgh if you must. Anyway, back to the subject at hand. Moving Jones makes a lot of sense, with the emergence of Calvin Ridley this past season. Ridley had 100-plus receiving yards in five of seven games without Julio, so he’s ready to go. And that’s the thing. Julio just turned 32. He played just nine games last season due to injury. Let him try to get in one last run for a championship on a team that’s kind of close.
The Las Vegas Raiders would be fun, even though Julio can’t play defensive back. Baltimore would also be a nice option. The Ravens need a receiver like a party-goer needs a Burger King drive-thru at the end of the night.”
This is all Ranks opinion, the Falcons have not shown any public sign of wanting to trade Julio Jones.
Roll Tide Wire will continue to publish any updates regarding Julio Jones and other former Alabama stars in the NFL.