Mike Greenberg Has 1 Team In Mind For Julio Jones

It seems like Julio Jones is on his way out of Atlanta after 10 seasons with the Falcons. Jones essentially said as much yesterday during an on-air phone call with FS1's Shannon Sharpe.

As soon as Jones uttered the words "I'm outta there" over the phone, speculation about where he could be dealt began ramping up. One of the teams that has been mentioned is the New England Patriots.

Even after spending significant money on wideouts Kendrick Bourne and Nelson Agholor in free agency, New England still desperately needs a No. 1 target. That's what Jones could provide, as long as he is healthy.

At least one ESPN personality thinks--or more accurately, fears--that Jones is heading to New England. Mike Greenberg told his audience on Get Up! this morning that he feels the Pats will pursue Jones.

"…Maybe this just comes from having been a fan of the New York Jets for a really long time, but this feels like exactly the kind of situation the Patriots would get themselves in," Greenberg said Tuesday. "They will find a way to get Julio Jones for a third-round draft pick. That feels very Belichickian to me. Whether Cam (Newton) is the quarterback or Mac Jones is the quarterback, I feel like Julio Jones would fit. If he goes there, he would have a Randy Moss-type of season in New England."

Jones is 32 and coming off an injury-marred 2020 where he played in only nine games. However, he averaged 5.7 receptions and 85.7 yards per appearance when he was on the field, so its not like he lost much of a step.

Also, Jones missed only four games from 2014-19. During that run, he made six-straight Pro Bowls and twice led the NFL in receiving yards.

For the right team, Jones will easily be worth the investment in a trade. We'll have to see if New England is that team.

[ NESN ]