Training camps across the NFL are getting started as the season looms just around the corner. Rookie training camp is already underway for many teams, and veterans are soon to follow.
Most of the juicy offseason moves are now in the rear-view mirror, but some big-name players remain unsigned. One of the most notable players still available is former All-Pro wide receiver Julio Jones.
Jones was among the league's best receivers in his prime. In his 10 years with the Atlanta Falcons, Jones earned seven Pro-Bowl nods and two first-team All-Pro selections. He left the Falcons in 2021 as their all-time leading receiver with 12,896 yards.
Despite his impressive peak, Jones would like to forget his last two seasons. Injuries limited the star wideout to just nine games in 2020, posting just 771 yards and three touchdowns. Atlanta traded Jones to the Tennessee Titans before last season, but he struggled to fit into a new system, registering just 434 yards and one touchdown in 10 games.
Due to his lackluster production and large cap hit, the Titans released Jones in March. The 33-year-old may not be at his peak anymore, but he could still be a valuable weapon in the right situation. These three teams might want to give Jones a call before the season gets underway.
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Julio Jones Best Destinations
Baltimore is still searching for the game-changing wideout that it's been missing in the Lamar Jackson era. The Ravens finished dead last in the league with just over 170 passing yards per game in 2020. While they improved to over 230 yards per game in 2021, tight end Mark Andrews was the main catalyst for that rise with 1,361 yards on the season.
Marquise Brown led Baltimore's receivers with 1,008 yards, but the Ravens traded him to the Cardinals at the 2022 NFL Draft. Now second-year pro Rashod Bateman is the top receiver on the depth chart after posting 515 yards and one touchdown as a rookie. With Sammy Watkins, the next leading receiver having joined the Packers in the offseason, the Ravens may want to upgrade the position before the season kicks off.
Baltimore adding Jones would give the receiving corps a much-needed boost. Even though he's not at his peak anymore, he still forces defenses to pay attention to him when he's on the field. This could help open up the field and take some of the attention off of Andrews.
Jones likely wouldn't see the same volume of targets as in the past because Baltimore's offense is so run-heavy. However, a lesser role may be perfect for him at this stage of his career.
Star receiver Davante Adams made his exodus from Green Bay via a trade with the Raiders this offseason. Losing a receiver like Adams, who is coming off five straight Pro Bowls and two straight All-Pro selections, leaves the Packers with a clear hole at the position.
Green Bay signed Watkins and drafted Christian Watson this offseason to try and shore up the receiving corps. Still, the Packers could use more at the position to maximize their Super Bowl chances. Jones could be a low-risk, high-reward option for the Packers should they take a flier on him.
Jones would allow Green Bay to run more four or five receiver sets. While the group of Jones, Watson, Watkins, and Allen Lazard lacks a true game-changer, each can make defenses pay if left open. Jones could also take attention from the deep threat of Watson, who averaged over 20 yards per reception in college.
Plus, Aaron Rodgers throwing him the ball is an easy selling point for Jones. If he wants to win a ring before he retires, Green Bay could be the best destination for Jones.
Throughout Jones' 10 seasons in Atlanta, quarterback Matt Ryan was the one constant. The two have clear chemistry with each other, so why not reunite in Indianapolis?
Like the Ravens, the Colts desperately need help at wide receiver. Michael Pittman Jr. had a strong 2021 season with 1,082 yards and six touchdowns, but he was the only Colt with more than 400 receiving yards. The Colts would not only help their passing attack by signing Jones, but also make the newly acquired Ryan very happen.
Jones would likely slot in as the second receiver on the depth chart behind Pittman. Jones could thrive in this role on the field and provide mentorship off the field as well. His presence could also allow second-round pick Alec Pierce, who averaged over 17 yards per reception in college, to stretch the field.
Indianapolis also plays a run-first style of offense behind star running back Jonathan Taylor. Jones may not get the volume of targets he's used to, but reuniting with Ryan and the potential of the team makes the Colts the most intriguing option.
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