3 trade proposals that could send Julio Jones to the Cardinals

If the Arizona Cardinals want to trade for Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones, there are a few proposals that could result in a deal.

Super teams aren’t a thing in the NFL, outside of the 2011 “Dream Team” Philadelphia Eagles who floundered so badly it wasn’t even funny. However, the Arizona Cardinals might turn into a super team if they are able to acquire Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones before the start of the 2021 season.

The Cardinals‘ potential wide receiver lineup of Larry Fitzgerald, DeAndre Hopkins, and A.J. Green with Jones in the mix would be a 2014 fantasy football player’s dream.

While we did recently write why Arizona should not trade for Jones, the fact is that there’s still the possibility of it actually happening. With Cardinals general manager Steve Keim at the helm and his history of trades, nothing is impossible.

So let’s take a look at three possible trade proposals that could be offered to the Falcons in exchange for the All-Pro receiver, and change the type of bird on his jersey. Please note that these proposals aren’t really factoring in salary cap space as the cap can be usually manipulated to make crazy things happen.

Trade Proposal No. 1

• Cardinals get:
  • Julio Jones – WR
• Falcons get:
  • Cardinals 2022 first-round pick

  If the Falcons wanted to grab a true first-rounder like they were allegedly trying to do before the draft, the Cardinals would offer their first-round pick in 2022.

  The reason goes back to what the team said earlier this year- that there is no “redshirting” and it’s an all-in year. Why Atlanta would want to separate Julio Jones from their top draft pick this year, tight end Kyle Pitts, seems weird. It would also raise questions about the Falcons’ decision to restructure Matt Ryan’s contract earlier this year?

  Arizona’s offense needs to be better in clutch situations, and Julio’s frame and athleticism would skyrocket over everyone else on the lower part of the wide receiver depth chart.

  A Cardinals depth chart that includes Rondale Moore, Christian Kirk, Andy Isabella, and KeeSean Johnson. Jones would be able to catch those goal-line slants like he did against the New England Patriots last season and he wouldn’t have tracking problems deep downfield like Isabella does.

  And despite Arizona currently being the only NFC West team with a first-round pick for 2022, this division waits for no one as this is the highest-gambling set of teams anywhere in the NFL. It’s also one of the reasons why the Cardinals are in the best conference in the league.

  

  Trade Proposal No. 2

  • Cardinals get:
    • Julio Jones – WR
  • Falcons get:
    • Rondale Moore – WR
    • Andy Isabella – WR
    • Jordan Hicks – LB

    With Atlanta getting rid of a pass catcher, they could sure use another one. One thing that seems likely is that Rondale Moore would be involved in a trade for Julio Jones.

    The rookie would get more usage in Atlanta’s offense, as he would probably become the No. 2 receiver on their depth chart immediately. On top of that, with the Cardinals selecting Zaven Collins in the first round of this year’s draft, the team has let Jordan Hicks seek a trade.

    This wouldn’t be a bad place to send Hicks off to as the Super Bowl-winning linebacker would help settle down the Falcons defense and help them make an improvement, just like he did for Arizona (despite what they say on Twitter).

    Andy Isabella may just need to have a change of scenery. His time with the Cardinals has suffered from the same indecision that Isaiah Simmons dealt with in his first year. Neither were used enough, but Isabella’s future is more in danger than Simmons’ is.

    

    Trade Proposal No. 3

    • Cardinals get:
      • Julio Jones – WR
      • Falcons 2022 third-round pick
    • Falcons get:
      • Rondale Moore – WR
      • Cardinals 2022 first-round pick
      • Cardinals 2022 fourth-round pick
      • Cardinals 2023 third-round pick

      If the Falcons are really that stubborn over parting ways with Julio Jones (which isn’t too hard to imagine), they may decide a ransom is the only way to go. If Arizona is also hellbent on acquiring Jones, then they’re going to make an offer that’s probably similar to the one shown above.

      This would likely be the most the Cardinals could offer for Jones. It’s the best of both worlds as the picks are pretty high, and Moore would be a proficient player for them over on the east coast. Arizona gets their prize in Jones and they are able to squeeze out a third-rounder from Atlanta in the trade as well.

      Another Cardinals player that could be considered for a trade like this is running back Chase Edmonds, or Jordan Hicks, as we mentioned in the previous trade proposal. Arizona probably wouldn’t send more than three draft picks to the Falcons if this ends up being a trade that actually happens.

      Out of all three proposals, this is the one that would likely get a deal done, as other teams will say they’re interested, but they wouldn’t be bold enough to include that juicy first-round pick.