Titans now in the driver’s seat for Julio Jones trade?
The Tennessee Titans have been in the Julio Jones trade mix since reports began emerging and they now look like possible favorites to land the receiver.
After a couple of weeks’ worth of rumors and speculation regarding a potential Julio Jones trade, it feels as if there are more NFL teams that haven’t been connected to the Falcons about a deal for the wide receiver than those that have. But one team that has consistently come up is the Tennessee Titans.
Despite being labeled as a “longshot” last week in their pursuit of Jones — even though the Titans had discussions with Atlanta about a trade — the narrative has taken another turn, one that may have the All-Pro wide receiver on track to end up in Nashville.
On Sunday, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reported that the Titans have “emerged” as “favorites” to be the team that ultimately trades for Jones. This sentiment was then seconded by Peter King in his Football Morning In America column on Monday.
Both Florio and King noted that it does seem like Atlanta’s hopes of getting a first-round pick in return have dwindled to nothingness at this point. More pressingly, a second-round pick and taking on Jones’ salary would be enough to make the trade.
A Julio Jones trade is exactly what the Titans offense needs.
The one thing standing in the way of the Titans trading for Julio Jones is the fact that they currently don’t have the salary cap room to take on the wide receiver’s substantial salary. At the same time, it’s a weak obstacle for Tennessee to overcome as they can get to the necessary number with just a few restructures or extensions.
With that said, it would behoove Tennessee to make those moves to get in position to trade for Jones. A.J. Brown has emerged as a young NFL star at wide receiver, which is great for Ryan Tannehill and Derrick Henry.
However, the offseason departures of both wideout Corey Davis and tight end Jonnu Smith via free agency have left the Titans in a tough spot in terms of pass-catchers. Yes, they signed Josh Reynolds and drafted Dez Fitzpatrick in the middle rounds but there is simply no proven depth behind Brown.
Next. 10 Free agency signings in 2021 that could backfire. dark
Jones is more than proven, however, and could be the offensive boost the franchise has been lacking. Tennessee has quietly been on the cusp of contention for the past few years and they still aren’t far off. If they can add one of the best wide receivers of the last decade, that might be the jolt they need to take the next step.