NFL Rumors: 2 teams emerge as favorites to land Julio Jones

Wide receiver Julio Jones is one of the more intriguing options available on the free agent market. The wideout market has exploded this offseason, but Jones remains one of several notable veterans still available who could be a great addition to any team.

According to CBS Sports, the Atlanta Falcons and the Dallas Cowboys are the frontrunners to sign Jones.

Jones had enormous success in his previous stint with the Falcons. In 2019, he recorded 99 receptions for 1,394 yards, showing that he can be very productive despite his injury problems.

While Matt Ryan, who was Jones' quarterback for much of his career, was traded to the Indianapolis Colts, Atlanta might still be interested in bringing Jones back.

The Falcons will have a new quarterback in Marcus Mariota or rookie Desmond Ridder this coming season. Julio Jones will likely be their No. 1 receiver as Calvin Ridley is suspended for the season and they lost Russell Gage in free agency.

The Cowboys, meanwhile, lost two of their primary receivers this offseason. They traded Amari Cooper to the Cleveland Browns and lost Cedrick Wilson in free agency to the Dolphins. Jones would be a good No. 2 to complement CeeDee Lamb.

Julio Jones has had a tough time recently

Jones spent last season with the Tennessee Titans. It was the first of his 11-year career where he was not with the Falcons.

On June 6, 2021, the Falcons traded Jones along with a sixth-round selection in the 2023 NFL Draft to the Tennessee Titans. In exchange, they got a second-round selection in the 2022 NFL Draft and a fourth-round selection in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Jones struggled to make an impact with the Titans. He missed seven games due to injuries and set career-lows with 31 receptions, 434 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown.

In his career, he has 879 receptions, 13,300 yards, and 61 touchdowns. He's a seven-time Pro Bowler who has made five All-Pro teams and led the NFL in receiving yards twice.