Tag: Julio Jones Chargers

Odds favor Chargers to trade for WR Julio Jones

The Los Angeles Chargers are seen as favorites to trade for the seven-time Pro Bowler.

There’s a shortage in cap space in Atlanta, which is making it difficult for the Falcons to sign their 2021 draft class.

To free some up, the team can do so by trading away one of their top offensive weapons in wide receiver Julio Jones.

Where might he go if a trade was to occur?

Oddsmakers are favoring the Chargers as the team that Jones will start the 2021 season with if he’s traded at +500, per DraftKings Sportsbook.

The Colts are the only other team with the same odds to land Jones.

Why would Los Angeles trade for Jones?

Four reasons.

One, the team has the cap space to make it happen.

Two, going into the first season in SoFi Stadium with fans allowed, it would generate a ton of spark.

Three, with a high-powered offense already in place led by quarterback Justin Herbert, the seven-time Pro Bowler would add a dynamic element that would make it difficult for opposing defenses to stop.

Four, Jones’ presence gives the Bolts a stronger chance to finally dethrone the Chiefs for the division title of make a deep postseason run.

Would general manager Tom Telesco pull the trigger?

In the past, Telesco would not be aggressive to make a move like this. But given the fact that his seat has to be a little warm, that, and the four reasons above might make him consider it.

Could Chargers be among Julio Jones trade suitors?

Would the Los Angeles Chargers be wise to trade for the seven-time Pro Bowler?

The Chargers’ wide receiver group is rather crowded heading into training camp. But might they look to add another one, possibly one of the best players at the position in the NFL to take the group to another level?

The Athletic’s Jeff Schultz reported that the Falcons are looking to trade Julio Jones. Atlanta doesn’t have enough cap space to sign their draft picks, and their only options to create space are to trade or restructure the contracts of Jones or defensive tackle Grady Jarrett.

Among the teams that Schultz that might be in on Jones is Los Angeles.

Think of 1) teams with enough cap space to absorb Jones’ $15.3 million base salary; 2) contending teams that believe he would put them over the top; 3) young teams looking to take the next step.

Among the teams that could fall into these categories: Ravens, 49ers, Patriots, Colts and Chargers.

According to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, L.A. has $19.4 million in available cap space. Therefore, the team has the funds to pay some of Jones’ contract in a potential trade.

Jones, the seven-time Pro Bowler, is coming off a year in which he dealt with a hamstring injury. However, the year before that, he posted 1,394 receiving yards on 99 catches.

Would a trade be worth it? When healthy, he is a clear-cut dynamic weapon that would take the Chargers’ offense over the top, as he possesses the speed and explosiveness to give opposing secondaries problems.

What would the team have to give up? Schultz said a first-round draft pick “seems unlikely,” so if Los Angeles had to give up a second and a late-round selection to get Jones, it might be worth it.

An offense that would consist of Justin Herbert, Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Austin Ekeler, Jared Cook and Jones, as well as the young bucks in Jalen Guyton, Tyron Johnson and Josh Palmer, would be a huge threat.