Atlanta Falcons remain perfect landing spot for veteran Julio Jones

It seems obvious at this point that Julio Jones won’t be returning to Tampa Bay and the Atlanta Falcons clearly need help at the receiver position. At this point in his, career Jones isn’t a starter and shouldn’t be relied upon as more than a 3rd or 4th option at receiver. Julio had a great playoff game with Tampa in garbage time but otherwise struggled to make an impact or stay on the field.

Julio has the chance to be a bargain signing this off-season for a team looking for surprise production or at the very least is a great veteran presence. Jones handled his time in Atlanta as an ultimate pro never showing up Matt Ryan or demanding the ball as many receivers were not nearly as talented as Julio would.

Bringing Jones back to Atlanta as the Falcons attempt to make a playoff push is a move that feels right for both sides. Julio is in the final years of his career and perhaps would like a chance for a better exit with a team that he helped define for nearly a decade.

It was Matt Ryan and Julio Jones at the center of anything good that has happened for Atlanta over the last eleven years. Jones returning to help guide this iteration of the Falcons would be a great story and provide perhaps some surprise production for second-year quarterback Desmond Ridder.

It was only two years ago that Jones was in an Atlanta uniform and playing a huge role for the team when healthy. Jones as Atlanta’s third option at receiver would be odd but on paper, it is a perfect fit and provides Atlanta the chance to give the franchise legend the sendoff he deserves. Jones back to Atlanta would be a value signing even if Julio cannot put up the big numbers he once did.