NFL - Discussion Thread

What I don't understand is why Julio seems so dissatisfied, the Falcons with Pitts have a top 5 offense. He's the second highest paid WR in the league. They gave him a ridiculous extension in the middle of his old contract and virtually all of it is guaranteed. Maybe if he took less money they'd have more to spread around the defense. It's fine if he's not happy for other reasons, but if it's about money I think he's being unreasonable.

He says he wants to win, but at the same time, he bashed Ryan for having a weak arm. I think he got upset because his name was floating around before the draft.

Kind of unfair to Ryan who I think is still a top 5 QB by many metrics. Not sure where he thinks he's going that he'll have both better QB play and the same amount of targets.

I think Warrior13 is correct, Julio Jones is probably upset at all the talk of the Falcons rebooting and the way he was unceremoniously used as draft bait. Also, there's a new superstar in town called Pitts who has suddenly stolen Jones limelight.

Is Aaron Rodgers going to Denver?, I saw a photo yesterday of him at a press conference wearing a Bronco jersey and cap.

Plus Pitts is very similar in size and speed to Julio, so he probably figures that he was out the door anyway. Wish we could have seen all those guys play together though...

Rodgers cannot be traded until after June 1st, so a few days away before anything could happen.

I must say, it's looking very likely now that Rodgers will be a Bronco. The AFC West is going to be stacked. KC are a lock as the division winner, so that leaves wildcard spots. I don't think Las Vegas will make it, especially given they will probably go 1-5 in divisional games. It will be tough, because I see one of Tennessee/Indy and one of Pittsburgh/Cleveland getting a wildcard spot, but I'd expect Denver and LA Chargers to also get one. LA Chargers may miss out simply because they will be 2-4 or 1-5 in divisional games.

If Rodgers joins Denver, Miami's playoff hopes are gone. We'd have to go 12-5 to guarantee playoffs, and 11-6 to have a good chance.

Even with Rodgers I'm not sure the Broncos are a playoff lock with having to play in that division.

Stove heating up on Julio Jones, with the Pats, Titans, Eagles, Rams, and Ravens all apparently having interest. The ceiling for him is a late first round pick imo, considering his age and frankly ridiculous contract. Not sure how the Eagles and Rams could finagle it, in this case I think the interest is just academic.

Denver is an easy lock if they get Rodgers. They'll likely sweep the Raiders and Chargers, and I have to think they would have a good chance of splitting with the Chiefs with their defense (assuming the Broncos give up Jeudy and three firsts for him).

I heard the Titans are likely out considering, per sources, that the Falcons have already received at least one offer for 1st. I doubt the Pats will give up a 1st for him, as well as the Ravens since they just signed Watkins and drafted Bateman. The Eagles also just drafted Smith, so I'd have figure they're out as well and will bank on having three 1sts next year to draft a QB or stock up around Hurts. Rams and 49ers simply don't have the draft capital, unless they'll give up multiple picks. Don't see that happening.

I can only envision a few teams actually being in play that would be willing to sacrifice a 1st for Jones: Packers (if they can convince him to stay prior to making the trade), Bills (in hopes of getting past the Chiefs in the Postseason), Chiefs (to give Mahomes another option besides Kelce and Hill, no team could double all three of them), and the Dolphins (as Matt alluded to, it's going to already be difficult for the Phins to make the playoffs, but adding Jones to Parker, Waddle, Fuller, and Gisecki would give Tua no excuses no to lead them to at least a Wild Card).

Some dark horses to get Jones imo? Redskins (couldn't hurt, but doubt they would give up a 1st since they need a QB), Giants (again, couldn't hurt giving Jones all the help possible, but I don't think they would give up a 1st), and the Jaguars (have the cap, and they need a true WR1). Since none would give up a 1st, maybe they can give up two 2nds and a mid rounder.

Washington now have four wide receivers, they don't need Julio Jones. I doubt the Dolphins would be interested either, they are set at wide reciever as well. I say Packers in a bid to apeas Aaron Rogers or New England which I personally think is more likely. Remember Randy Moss...

Randy Moss had Tom Brady. Julio would have Cam or Jones. Way different.

Julio has a $15M base salary this year that the receiving team would be on the hook for, right? The Packers have 4M in cap space and the Titans have 3M. The Pats have a more manageable 16M. Any deal to one of these cap hungry teams will have to include restructuring which could impact future extensions to other players. Lots to think about beyond just getting Julio.

Unless the Falcons agree to pay a portion for this upcoming season. That could be in play if another team is giving up a 1st.

Mac Jones and Julio Jones could end up being a deadly combination especially if Jones is as accurate as advertised. I still rate Jones as one of the better wide receivers in the NFL. Get the ball in his hands in the short passing game and he will punish you. I say Julio Jones goes to the Patriots. If I were the Patriots I'd give up that 1st rounder for him.

Sounding like Seahawks and 49ers are seriously interested in Julio.

49rs.. Warrior13, are you telling me the next Montana to Rice is going to be Lance to Jones? If Trey Lance is as good as the scouts say he is and the San Francisco acquires Jones then the Buccaneer dynasty is going to be short lived. They are my picks for next the 2003 Super Bowl.

From all reports, the 49ers and Seahawks are vocally interested. 49ers will be tough to pull off since they don't have draft picks. Would the Falcons take three late 2nds instead of a late 1st to keep Julio in the NFC and to a coach that helped cost you a Super Bowl win over Pats? I'm not sure.

Julio Jones a Seattle Seahawk doesn't feel right, I can't see him in those colours. I think the 49rs pull it off somehow, may cost them a player in the deal.

It would have to be a cheap defensive player, but the Niners do not have many of those that they would give up. It would likely be draft picks. The Pats are interesting. They could give Falcons Stephen Gilmore and a 1st or 2nd.

That's the deal then, everybody is happy. Julio Jones plays with Cam Newton like he wants and the Falcons get an elite defensive player in return as well as a 1st round draft pick. I bet Belichick will try and make it a second though.

I'm guessing part of the strategy of trading Jones is to get a 1st round pick so that they can trade up next draft? Otherwise, why not go all-in this season & then trade him next offseason?

Every season I point out that it's very common for at least 1 of the 4 Conference Championship teams to flop the next season. I'm going to watch Tampa Bay. Yes they won the SB, but they went 11-5 in the regular season & were a wildcard team. Atlanta have a very dangerous offense, and if Tampa Bay aren't on their game, there could be a surprise division winner.