Julio Jones to the Colts?
Seven-time Pro Bowler Julio Jones has become a free agent after being released by the Tennessee Titans. Jones finished the season with 31 receptions for 434 yards and one touchdown. As the NFL offseason continues, where will the former All-Pro receiver go?
Indianapolis should be in consideration. SportsLine odds have the Colts as the favorite to sign Jones (+300), and for good reason.
The Colts were considered a dark horse Super Bowl contender as the 2021 season went on. Their elite run game and strong defense made them a playoff caliber team in the minds of many fans and analysts.
However, the quarterback and wide receiver play were mediocre for a team that wanted to go the distance.
Carson Wentz, even for his improved season, was not the quarterback that the Colts needed to elevate the team. Wentz’s statistics were impressive, but his lack of production left a feeling of disappointment within the organization. The Colts fixed that by trading for Atlanta Falcons veteran quarterback Matt Ryan.
But while the quarterback play was below average, it was nowhere near as concerning as the receiving production. Indianapolis was bottom-five in receptions and receiving yards.
Michael Pittman Jr. had 88 receptions for 1,082 yards and six touchdowns. However, the next leading receiver, Zach Pascal, only had 38 receptions for 384 yards and three touchdowns. It’s safe to say that the receiving core needs help.
The Colts selected Cincinnati receiver Alec Pierce with the 53rd overall pick, but may not want to bank on a rookie to give them immediate success.
That is why Indianapolis should get Jones.
Even though there’s an argument that Jones is not what he once was, there is one particular reason why Indianapolis sticks out as a favorite to get Jones. And that reason is their new quarterback.
Jones has been a teammate of Ryan’s for a decade in Atlanta. This is probably the biggest factor in why Jones should gravitate towards Indianapolis. The chemistry and years of experience between the two will give the Colts the air threat that they lacked last season. Even in a stacked AFC, the addition of these two could give the Colts the playoff run they were anticipated to have last year.
Members of the team have already started to advocate for Jones to recruit to Indianapolis.
Pittman and Darius Leonard have voiced their opinions on Twitter.
“Aye man hear me out,” Leonard said. “Matt have already thrown you a lot of touchdowns in the dome in Atlanta, y’all could finish what y’all started in Atlanta in the dome here in Indy!”
“I like this idea,” Pittman said in response to a proposal of Jones being a Colts receiver.
Overall, Indianapolis would be a preferrable destination for Jones.
