Julio Jones trade rumors gaining momentum, with Patriots involved

As Julio Jones trade rumors pick up steam ahead of the 2021 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots are one of the teams mentioned as a possibility.

Peter King mentioned in his “Football Morning In America” column for Pro Football Talk that he wouldn’t be surprised by the Falcons “putting the framework of a trade together” for Jones, and designating it a post-June 1 trade to spread out his cap hit over the next two seasons. Albert Breer said something similar for The MMQB: “It wouldn’t shock me if Julio Jones gets traded at some point this offseason.” Ian Rapoport became the third NFL insider to report on it when he tweeted Monday morning that the Falcons “have received calls” on Jones from teams that are cognizant of their cap situation.

King mentioned the Patriots, Raiders, Titans, and Ravens as teams to watch for in a possible Jones trade.

The reports differ on the potential cost. Breer says first-round pick, King says a future second with nothing from the 2021 draft. It all adds up to a trade that may not happen during the NFL Draft, but could be a possibility anywhere from now until June 2.

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  Jones' talent would certainly transform the Patriots' wide receiver depth chart overnight, but he wouldn't come without risk. He's coming off a season in which he averaged 15.1 yards per catch and 5.7 catches per game for the Falcons, but only played nine games. Injuries have kept Jones from playing a full season for the past two years, and he's played a full 16 in only four out of 10 seasons. He turned 32 years old in February.
  
  But adding Jones to the mix would give the Patriots a dynamic outside threat to go with their two free-agent tight end signings, Jonnu Smith and Hunter Henry, and a pair of complementary receivers in Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne. It would also be the latest indication that the Patriots view their anemic 2020 passing offense as a result of the personnel around the quarterback, rather than the quarterback himself.
  
  Cam Newton is projected to begin the 2021 season as the Patriots' starting QB. So if he ends up with Jones to throw to on top of all the new faces brought in via free agency, he has to produce. Because the Patriots will be left with no other excuses.

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Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Yell at him on Twitter @mattdolloff and follow him on Instagram @mattydsays. You can also email him at mdolloff@985thesportshub.com.