Patriots: This contract detail proves Julio Jones trade is a no-brainer

The New England Patriots have long been mentioned as a potential suitor for Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones, and the movement to get Julio to Foxborough might’ve picked up some added wind after Jones himself confirmed that he is not going to return to the Falcons for the 2021 season.

Jones only played nine games last year, but he was the featured offensive option in each of those contests, and the NFL record for average receiving yards in a game still belongs to him.

In essence, Jones would make any lackluster passing game one of the most feared in the league.

Considering that Chris Simms has already reported that the Patriots and Tennessee Titans are the two teams he’s eyeing him, New England needs to strike quickly. If they pass up on his very affordable contract, they will live to regret it.

ESPN’s Mina Kimes made mention of the fact Jones is owed just $26 million over the next two seasons, confirming that his financial burden is not only less than receivers like Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods, but it’s also less expensive than Nelson Agholor, who Jones might team up with in New England.

Julio Jones wouldn’t be too expensive for the Patriots.

Jones is comparatively underpaid when compared to other elite receivers, but Atlanta is completely out of cap room and would like to start the rebuild as soon as possible. With no shot of catching the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the division, the Falcons will try to get their superstar to a situation that could help him win a championship.

Julio won’t be double-teamed on every play in New England, as Belichick spent a fortune on Agholor, Jonnu Smith, and Hunter Henry in order to beef up the offense. The wideout would add the downfield threat and red zone presence they need, which should help turn Cam Newton back into the quarterback we saw in Carolina.

Jones is coming off of an injury at age 32, meaning that he is at risk of fizzling out. If that happens, the financial implications won’t be inescapable. This is as low-risk a trade as possible for a receiver his age.

Teams will always cite money as a reason why they didn’t make a move on a superstar, but anyone who looks at Jones’ economical contract and the impact he could have on this team would come to the obvious conclusion that the Patriots need to pounce. Jones could make them a championship contender, and $26 million for two years is not very hefty.

Patriots: 3 players New England could include in Julio Jones trade

With the Julio Jones trade rumors growing louder by the day, here are three players the Patriots could include in a deal for the star receiver.