The New England Patriots and Atlanta Falcons appear to be headed in different directions this season.
New England is looking surprisingly sharp without Tom Brady and other key players, boasting a 2-1 record through three weeks. Atlanta, meanwhile, is 0-3 – with two of their last three defeats come by way of mind-blowing collapses.
With the Falcons season pretty much over, many are now wondering whether it’s time to blow the roster up and start fresh.
On Thursday, a report began to trend.
“The Patriots and #Falcons are engaged in serious conversations in regards to a trade involving Julio Jones,” it read.
“My source went on to add that this is pretty much a done deal. Will have more on this after the games Sunday.”
Wow. Huge news. Per source: The #Patriots and #Falcons are engaged in serious conversations in regards to a trade involving Julio Jones. My source went on to add that this is pretty much a done deal. Will have more on this after the games Sunday. #NFL
— Mo Chanel (@MoMoneyChanel) October 1, 2020
Shortly thereafter, NFL insider Benjamin Allbright looked into the situation and reported that he was not hearing anything about an imminent deal.
“From what I understand that Julio Jones rumor going around is false,” he wrote.
From what I understand that Julio Jones rumor going around is false.
— Benjamin Allbright (@AllbrightNFL) October 1, 2020
Jones returned to the practice field on Thursday in hopes of participating in Monday night’s showdown between the Falcons and Green Bay Packers. If there is any truth to these rumors, he doesn’t seem to be rattled either way.
Atlanta was without Jones last week in their stunning defeat to the Chicago Bears. Prior to that, he recorded two catches for 24 yards against the Dallas Cowboys and nine catches for 157 yards against the Seattle Seahawks.
ESPN was real mad about the Dodgers. https://t.co/gkZOnz4O9t
— Game 7 (@game7__) October 1, 2020
When he’s healthy, the 31-year-old is an absolute beast – which makes it all the sadder that his talents are being wasted away under Dan Quinn.
If a trade between the Patriots and Falcons for his services is not currently being discussed, it definitely should be.
The Patriots need additional wide receiver support for Cam Newton, who won’t simply be able to win every single game with his feet.
Atlanta needs to get rid of some veteran assets and start anew.
It could be a winning proposition for all sides.
Will this trade ultimately go down? Time will tell.
Should it? Absolutely.
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Charles Kruger has been credentialed to cover two Super Bowls, four NBA Finals, and one World Series. A 20-year veteran in the sports world, he has sources spanning the NBA, MLB, NFL, UFC and NASCAR. Currently residing in Los Angeles, Calif., he is Game 7’s go-to source for rumors surrounding the Lakers, Clippers and Dodgers.
