NFL Analysis Network

Buccaneers, Colts, Packers Among Interested Teams In Julio Jones

Normally, it is the quarterback position that garners all of the attention around football. However, this offseason, it was the wide receiver spot that took center stage. There was a ton of movement at the position this offseason as teams looked to bolster their offenses. Julio Jones is still on the market as well and it appears that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Green Bay Packers, and Indianapolis Colts are three teams in the running for him.

Davante Adams and Tyreek Hill reset the market, signing some of the most lucrative deals the league has ever seen at the position after being traded to the Las Vegas Raiders and Miami Dolphins, respectively. There were some monster deals handed out in free agency as well, such as the one Christian Kirk signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

There is still more movement that could be coming at the position as well. Deebo Samuel requested a trade and is awaiting a contract resolution with the San Francisco 49ers. There are also some solid veterans still available in free agency.

Arguably the biggest name still waiting to sign is Julio Jones. Jones was released by the Tennessee Titans earlier this offseason after one dismal season in Nashville. He set career-lows across the board, catching 31 passes for 434 yards and one touchdown.

Injuries were a big reason that Jones struggled during the 2021 season. They plagued him during his final season with the Atlanta Falcons in 2020 as well, as Jones has missed seven games in two consecutive seasons.

But, in 2019, he remained an elite player. If he can stay healthy, he looks like he still has plenty to offer a team on the field. Where could he end up? Three teams are still interested in bringing him in at this time; the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Indianapolis Colts and Green Bay Packers.

The Buccaneers have Mike Evans and Chris Godwin but cut Antonio Brown near the end of the 2021 regular season. Jones could step right into a complementary role, which may help keep him healthy as he won’t be relied upon as an every-down player.

The Colts could use some experience in their wide receiver room with T.Y. Hilton still a free agent. Keke Coutee is the only player on the roster with more than three years of experience. Indianapolis also has the quarterback Jones played 10 years with in Atlanta in Matt Ryan as a draw.

In Green Bay, Jones would have a chance to emerge as the No. 1 option in the passing game if that is something he is seeking. The Packers have some big shoes to fill this season with Adams and Marquez Valdes-Scantling both moving on this offseason.

All three teams offer Jones something a little different in terms of role and expectations. But, the one thing they all have in common is they are expecting to contend for a Super Bowl this season. That is something that probably appeals to Jones at this point in his career, as he is coming to the end of the line but the one thing his resume lacks is a ring.

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