Should the Niners trade for Julio Jones? By Dillon Bradbury
Julio Jones. Widely regarded as a one of the more premier players at his position, the 32 year old wide receiver for the Atlanta Falcons has been the talk of rumors and trade scenarios this week. A possible ending to his tenure as a Falcon looms after a disappointing season battling injuries and a cloud that’s hung over his commitment to the Falcons since he lost the offensive mind that gave him arguably the best season of his career, a Super Bowl run. Of course I’m talking about none other than head coach, Kyle Shanahan. A former offensive coordinator during the Falcons 2016-2017 Super Bowl run, Coach Shanahan is very familiar with the offensive walking mismatch that is Julio Jones. Last time they met as allies on the gridiron the Falcons went 11-5 while boasting the 8th highest scoring offense of all time behind QB Matt Ryan’s MVP season and his favorite weapon, Julio Jones, who dominated the NFL with his physical minded style of attacking routes and his knack of being able to out strengthen his opponents én route to a 1,409 yard 6 TD season. With concern that San Francisco is a bit stretched at the wide receiver position, some fans see the uncertainty regarding Jones as a blessing in disguise. Jones, no doubt, will be a threat no matter where he lands but today I want to explore just what could or would it take to reign in the All-Pro wide out.
A 3RD ROUND PICK AND RAHEEM MOSTERT:
A possible win-win for both teams, this trade would give the Falcons an extra threat in their backfield with Raheem Mostert, and earn them a decent round pick. For the Niners it would be cashing in on a possibly departing player in the form of one more playbook savvy weapon to help us get to the Super Bowl. The risk on each side is about the same for both as well. The Falcons get to unload a large contract for an aging player and bolster their backfield at the same time. The Niners would be taking some risk as well putting trust, and our own backfield, in jeopardy for a player who some seem to think he’s passed his prime.
JIMMY G:
The Falcons have been discussing replacing Matt Ryan for a couple of years now. This idea kind of perplexes me because Ryan ISN’T a bad QB nor do I believe he’s empty in the tank. Buuuuuuuut…. If they wanted a younger replacement QB who will deliver about the same results and thus keep them exactly where they are and have been for a decade…..’Jimmy G thang’ is the guy to trade for. The Falcons are in luck too cause it wont even cost a draft pick. Just give us the old man in the eleven jersey.
POSSIBLE FAVORABLE TRADE ATL MAKES A MISTAKE IN AGREEING ON:
Wishful thinking? How about a 2022 5th round pick and a 2022 3rd round pick? 2022 5th rounder and 2nd in 2023? Some organizations have made dumber trades for less. Julio Jones could end up our very own D-Hop.
Or…
NAH! JULIO IS NOT WORTH IT:
I know there’s a large part of the faithful fan base that is very exhausted from these fleeing player rumors. We have been linked in one way shape or form to pretty much EVERY major name who has hit the market. A fact that is stunning seeing as how our front office is Fort Knox in terms of information leaks. The media just wants the Niners to get the best players available and I’m not mad at it. Just don’t believe everything you read.
To wrap this up I do admit, I have been a huge supporter of the “bring Julio Jones to SF” train ever since we hired Kyle Shanahan. It’s a dream pair for me and I still think it’s the true missing piece that unlocks the Shanny cheat codes to this offense. I understand it’s a risk, but the NFC West is a cut throat fast passed division that allows no room from safe methodical roster moves. Pulling a trigger on a guy like Julio Jones is the kind of move this division is made of. If its not us, it WILL be one of them.
Let me know what you guys think, what would you give up for a shot at Julio Jones? As always tune into Niner Faithful Radio and don’t forget to give us a follow on twitter @NinerFaithfulR and myself @MrNiceGuyx559x. Thanks for stopping by and GO NINERS!