There were a number of people who believed that the Philadelphia Eagles could be active on the trade market ahead of the October 31st deadline. On the offensive side of the ball, the wide receiver position was the one mentioned most after as needing a shake-up.
The Eagles have one of the best duos in the NFL with A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith atop their depth chart, but behind them, things are shaky. Quez Watkins and Olamide Zaccheus have combined for only eight receptions on the season in six games, going for 95 yards and one touchdown.
In search of a third option that can help take some pressure off of them, Philadelphia dipped into free agency for some help. They came away with veteran wide receiver, Julio Jones. Upon signing with the Eagles, the future Hall of Famer made a bold statement, issuing a major warning to the rest of the league.
“I’m here to dominate,” Jones said on Wednesday, October 18. “Don’t get it twisted.”
It is certainly fair to question just how dominant Jones can be at this stage of his career. Also, how many chances will he truly have with the Eagles given how infrequently they rely on their No. 3 receivers?
Injuries have really derailed him in recent seasons as he has missed seven games in three straight campaigns. That snapped a stretch in which he made the Pro Bowl team in six straight years.
Jones spent last season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, catching 24 passes for 299 yards and two touchdowns in 10 games. Despite the somewhat pedestrian production, he should still be an upgrade for the Eagles.
With the Buccaneers last season, Jones recorded a PFF grade of 65.1. That is far superior to the 51.9 overall grade which Watkins and Zaccheus have been able to produce thus far this season.
The No. 3 and 4 role which Jones will be asked to play in Philadelphia is the same one he played in with the Buccaneers, outproducing Watkins last season as well. Could we see the role for that spot expand now that the Eagles have what is seemingly an upgrade for the position?
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