Tennessee Titans acquire Julio Jones in trade with Atlanta

Per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Tennessee Titans agreed to a deal with the Atlanta Falcons for Julio Jones. Tennessee gets Jones and a 2023 sixth-round pick, while Atlanta receives a 2022 second-rounder and a 2023 fourth-round selection. The Falcons previously pursued a first-round pick in exchange for Jones.

After Jones told Shannon Sharpe, “I’m outta there [Atlanta],” on FS1’s “Undisputed,” Rapoport reported that the star receiver requested a trade from the Falcons several months ago. Talks occurred behind closed doors before news of the imminent move surfaced in late May.

Titans Pro Bowl wide receiver A.J. Brown actively recruited Jones to Tennessee on social media. In a video posted on Twitter, Brown calls Jones “the GOAT of our era, of our receivers.” All-Pro running back Derrick Henry also called on his team to go after Jones.

Jones joins a Titans offense already featuring some of the NFL’s best players. Pro Football Focus (PFF) listed Henry, who ran for over 2,000 yards in 2020, as the league’s top running back entering the 2021 offseason. PFF ranked Brown as the sixth-best wide receiver, one spot behind Jones. Tennessee also has Ryan Tannehill, who led the NFL in passer rating in 2019.

Even after losing wide receiver Corey Davis and tight end Jonnu Smith in free agency, the Titans have one of the most talented offenses in the league. Adding Jones should secure Tennessee’s spot as the favorite to win the AFC South in 2021.

The Falcons traded up with Cleveland in 2011 to draft Jones at sixth overall. The Alabama product made the Pro Bowl in his second season and became the face of his position in the post-Calvin Johnson NFL. The 32-year-old played nine games last season, averaging 85.7 yards per outing.

Jones is Atlanta’s all-time leader in receptions (848) and receiving yards (12,896). His 60 receiving touchdowns only trail Roddy White’s 63. Jones spent the first ten seasons of his career with the Falcons. He led the NFL in receiving yards twice, went to seven Pro Bowls, and earned five All-Pro selections.

No receiver in league history has more receiving yards per game than Jones (95.5).