Despite age and injuries catching up, Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones can still play at a high level, and it seems like the Las Vegas Raiders are zeroing in on him.
As it stands, the Raiders’ wide receiver room is awfully crowded. The issue is that while it’s pretty full, they could still use a talent upgrade. At what point do you exchange potential and upside for a proven commodity? If you’re Jon Gruden entering your fourth year as head coach, you give it strong consideration. With the Atlanta Falcons deciding that Jones is now available, it could mean that Las Vegas takes a swing at acquiring a top-tier talent.
The Silver and Black made a splash by signing defensive end Yannick Ngakoue earlier this offseason. What if they could do the same on the offensive side of the ball?
NFL insider Benjamin Allbright recently alluded to the fact that the Raiders could be players in the market for Jones. Allbright shared a tidbit via Twitter, without giving too much away, that the Raiders, much like the Baltimore Ravens, are in play.
Should the Raiders seriously consider Jones?
There are legitimate concerns regarding Jones and his health. Yes, he’s missed 14 games in the last three seasons, but he’s still only 32. In the right situation, Jones could still feasibly play at a high level for another two to three years. With the Raiders, he’d be surrounded with speedy receivers in John Brown and Henry Ruggs III along with Darren Waller. That sounds like the makings of a powerhouse offense with an efficient quarterback in Derek Carr.
It would certainly be a risk for Las Vegas when you consider Jones’ health, contract and dip in production recently. Nevertheless, if healthy, Jones would give the Silver and Black a true No. 1 receiver, something that’s alluded them since trading away Amari Cooper. Even if draft capital is involved, the Raiders haven’t exactly nailed their picks, so perhaps a proven talent would be worth it.
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