Julio Jones to the Tennessee Titans is nearly a certainty at this point, per latest reports. The Falcons great is heading to the AFC South.
The Titans have landed a new No. 1 receiver for Ryan Tannehill. In return, the Falcons will land the Titans second-round pick, at least.
Jones only played in nine games last season due to injury, so it’s actually fair compensation despite the name brand and potential for a breakout campaign. In a run-centric offense in Tennessee, Jones will provide another outlet for Tannehill along with the rapidly-emerging AJ Brown.
In Atlanta, the Falcons status as competitors in the NFC South was fading. Matt Ryan is entering his later years and the Falcons arguably don’t even need Jones to sport a respectable receiving core. Adding draft capital, though, can help them build for the future.
NFL news: Julio Jones headed to the AFC South with Titans
The Titans trading for Jones surely solidifies their status as favorites in the AFC South. However, is it enough to make them true competitors for the conference crown?
The Chiefs have added a ton this offseason, including to their offensive line. Orlando Brown and Joe Thuney are behemoths up front, and it took away arguably the only real weakness on this team. Kansas City was torn apart by the Bucs at the line of scrimmage in the Super Bowl. With that no longer an issue (we assume), the only thing in the way of the Chiefs reaching paydirt is themselves.
We can’t blame the Titans for trying, though. Jones is a solid add and makes their offense arguably unstoppable, considering the rushing attack led by Derrick Henry. If there’s any team in the AFC that can stop the Chiefs, why not Tennessee?