It sounds like we can cross another Julio Jones suitor off the list. During an appearance on ESPN’s Get Up, Kimberley A. Martin reported that the Ravens are “done” with negotiations and are not in the market for the wide receiver (via Twitter). Martin offered a similar sentiment about the Rams, confirming a report from earlier this week.
The Ravens have been connected to a host of big-name receivers this offseason, so they were naturally connected to Jones when he publicly landed on the trade block. In fact, it was only the other day that we learned that the organization was willing to get involved in negotiations with the Falcons if the price was right.
There’s no denying the Ravens could use another top wideout. While quarterback Lamar Jackson‘s game doesn’t necessarily revolve around his arm, there’s no denying that his numbers took a step back in 2020. After throwing for 3,127 yards and 36 touchdowns during his MVP campaign in 2019, the 24-year-old threw for only 2,757 yards and 26 touchdowns (along with a career-high nine interceptions) this past season.
To the front office’s credit, they did do some work to improve their receiving corps this offseason. They drafted Minnesota’s Rashod Bateman in the first round, pairing him with 2019 first-rounder Marquise Brown atop the depth chart. The organization also signed veteran Sammy Watkins, and he’ll provide some experienced depth in front of the likes of Miles Boykin, James Proche, and Devin Duvernay. While the depth chart has obviously been improved, a player of Jones’ caliber could still take the team to new levels.
Meanwhile in Atlanta, reporters had a chance to ask Falcons coach Arthur Smith about Jones’ trade request (and his anticipated absence from mandatory minicamp).
“We have conversations all the time with all our players,” Smith said (via Adam Maya of NFL.com). “There’s good communication going back and forth through multiple avenues, so we’ll see what happens next week, where we’re at, you know? I can answer that for you next week.”
Another afc team is down. Come on chiefs. Take it.
The Chiefs already got rid of their often injured, overpaid WR. The Ravens signed him.
With what? Did you forget that they have to pay a ton of money to Orlando Brown now? Not even mentioning Mahomes’ massive cap hits are coming in the next couple years.
This. There’s no reason for the cheifs to put anymore money into weapons for the best QB in the league unless it’s on the line. Put it on the other side of the ball.
You do know that the Chiefs only have $7 million cap space and haven’t signed all their draft picks and Julio Jones is making $23 million in 2021.
The Chiefs signed all of their draft picks three weeks ago. Granted, that doesn’t change the fact that they still couldn’t fit Jones’ deal in without an extension and restructure, which might not be wise given the need to for an Orlando Brown deal in a year (although the 2022 cap spike might help there).
What are the plans for the Falcons? Do they think they can compete this year & next, or try to rebuild an older roster? With Julio, that O should be top 10.
With Drew Brees retired and the Panthers in a rebuild it would make sense for the Falcons to take one last shot at a title before they have to embark on their own rebuild. I’m sure they would keep Julio if they had a better cap situation. Calvin Ridley will make the loss of Julio bearable as he is an all pro talent himself.
Ratbirds took Hurst 25th overall in 2018. Dirty Birds took Ridley at 26. Ratbirds then traded Hurst to Dirty Birds in 2020. Ratbirds are still searching for ‘that dude’ at receiver. Oh the irony.
Anyone pursuing Julio – see 2020 AJ Green. I wouldn’t give a 3rd rounder for him at this point in his career. He’s running on fumes
AJ green didn’t play for two years
Yes I know .. he crashed a bit earlier… he must have been a Chevy … even if Julio is a Toyota … a lot of miles .. it’s a matter of time.
The Ravens due to their play style have issues getting good WRs to sign. Out of all teams he makes most sense to them.
I agree with you that the Ravens will probably have to alter their play style to attract top WRs because even Dez Bryant had no interest in staying in Baltimore.
Titans will get him. Raven should give whatever they have to.