NFL Rumors: Eagles Make ‘Luxury Move’ for Julio Jones
The Philadelphia Eagles could be in the market for a third receiver to pair alongside A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. DeAndre Hopkins is one name that has been gaining a ton of traction in recent days as a possible trade candidate to take over for Quez Watkins in the slot. That move seems a bit far-fetched.
Hopkins remains in the prime of his career and a guy probably unwilling to take a backseat to anyone. Plus, the Arizona Cardinals are going to want serious compensation in return for the five-time Pro Bowler with 11,298 receiving yards and 71 touchdowns. Not the best marriage. Moving on.
What about Julio Jones?
If the Eagles really want to upgrade at the position, there is a future Hall of Famer available at a bargain rate. Julio Jones might be “the kind of luxury move a team like this makes to further elevate its Super Bowl potential,” according to USA Today’s Cory Woodroof. Jones could be a sneaky good move for the reigning NFC champions as he weighs chasing a Super Bowl ring over retirement.
Yes, the 34-year-old does bring considerable health risks after missing 21 games since 2020, including seven games last season with a partially torn PCL. It doesn’t matter. Jones would be the low-risk, high-ceiling lottery ticket that Howie Roseman loves cashing in.
And the price tag on Jones would be relatively cheap. He’s coming off his worst statistical season – 24 receptions for 299 yards and 2 touchdowns in 2022 – plus an alarming injury history that should give the majority of general managers pause. Then again, Jones has always been a supreme talent and his role in Philly would maximize the enviable skills of an aging player.
“If the Philadelphia Eagles gave him a call, he could reunite with former Titans teammate A.J. Brown and give Philadelphia a spectacular depth addition to its receiving group,” Woodroof wrote. “Jones’ health has been a point of concern in recent seasons, but Philadelphia is deep enough at the position to give the former Atlanta Falcons star the limited snaps he’d need to really make an impact and stay as healthy as possible.”
Eagles Star DeVonta Smith Name-Drops Julio Jones
DeVonta Smith isn’t brash enough to etch his name on the list of top-five receivers in football. Not yet. Coming off a breakout 2022 campaign, the Heisman Trophy winner remains grounded and motivated. Smith was asked specifically if he felt slighted by not being mentioned among the game’s current elites, alongside guys like DeAndre Hopkins, and he predictably stuck to the script. He doesn’t.
“I wouldn’t put myself nowhere up there with those guys,” Smith told Paper Route, via the “I Am Athlete” podcast. “Those guys, they have the numbers to speak for it. I still have a long way to go. Do I envision myself being there? Definitely, eventually. But as of now, I wouldn’t put myself up there with the body of work those guys have put in year in and year out. I wouldn’t associate myself with that.”
Then, Smith revealed two players he really admired once he started playing the position. One of them could be his teammate if rumors turn into reality.
“Ocho is probably No. 1 for me,” Smith said, referring to Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson. “Him and Julio [Jones].”
