NFL rumors: NY Giants a potential fit for Falcons’ Julio Jones?
It’s possible one of the greatest wide receivers of all time will be on the market this offseason and the NY Giants should at least monitor that situation.
Julio Jones has had an elite career as a wide receiver as the focal point of the Atlanta Falcons’ aerial attack, but might the NY Giants be able to pry him away this offseason via trade?
Jones is also another year older, and he’s coming off an injury filled year.
With the emergence of Calvin Ridley and aging quarterback Matt Ryan, Jones may he on the trade block in the coming months, especially once the Falcons’ new general manager is hired and he has the chance to survey the roster and decide whether to begin a full-fledged rebuild.
Despite injuries and playing for a bad team, Jones still had 51 catches 771 yards and three touchdowns in nine games this season.
Missing seven games and only having three touchdowns in the games he played is certainly disappointing. Jones also had three games with under 50 yards, which you rarely see from Jones, although injuries played a part in that.
Despite all of this, Jones is still third in the NFL in receiving yards over the last three seasons. He also has 23 100 yard games over the last 4 years seasons which is second in the NFL.
Julio Jones has been discussed as a potential trade piece this offseason.
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) December 30, 2020
(H/T : @JFowlerESPN) pic.twitter.com/ZkiydDJWRO
The question now is, should the NY Giants be looking to add a player like Julio Jones?
The answer to the question like most questions in sport’s is what is it going to cost?
The Giants have to factor in what it would do to the salary cap to add Jones. The Jones contract is large and if he were to be traded to the Giants some money would have to be exchanged. In 2021 he’s a cap hit of 23 million dollars.
In 2022 and 2023 it’s a more affordable at 19 million. He can also opt out after that. Would the NY Giants be able to afford Jones and would they be able to get him without giving up a first round pick ?
Some other things the Giants can consider is what else will be available to them in terms of wide receivers. The draft and free agency can see some big wide receivers coming into play. If the Giants have a chance to draft Devonta Smith or Ja’Marr Chase it feels like that would be very enticing to them. Rashod Bateman, Jaylen Waddle, Ronald Moore and Justyn Ross all are very good prospects as well. Many young wide receivers have come in and made an immediate impact. If the Giants have a chance for Smith or Chase it could be a no brainer. If they miss on those two a veteran might be the best route to go.
The Giants will also look at some of the other big name wide receivers that could be free agents or could be franchise tag and trade targets. Allen Robinson, Kenny Golladay and Chris Godwin could all fit that bill. Although Godwin is unlikely to hit free agency. Will Fuller will be a free agent and could be somewhat of a bargain coming off a PED suspension. Corey Davis and home town kid Curtis Samuel also are intriguing options.
It’s no secret the NY Giants need wide receiver help. Golden Tate will not be here next year. Darius Slayton has regressed in a major way in 2020. Sterling Shepard is having a fine season but he is not a number one. Daniel Jones needs weapons as he goes into year 3. Saquon Barkley will return in 2021. A wide receivers or two need to be coming with him.
The Jones to Jones connection could be a big one for the NY Giants. Jones has never had a big body veteran receiver who commands double coverage. Look what the addition of Steffon Diggs has done for Josh Allen and the Bills. Tom Brady left the Patriots for the Bucs to pair up with wide receivers and he’s about to have a 40 touchdown season.
Julio Jones can help bring out Danie Jones’ biggest passing strengths. Per Pro Football focus Julio has the 6th highest catch% on passes 20 yards downfield. Daniel Jones has a 143.1 passer rating throwing the ball downfield with 5 touchdowns and no picks which is first in the NFL.
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Julio Jones may be older but he’s still an elite weapon. He’s still a guy every team would lick their chops to get and the Giants should be no different. The Falcons may be selling and it could mean the end of the road for Julio Jones in Atlanta. Could that mean a Jones to Jones passing game in New York.
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