The New York Giants have a matchup with the Atlanta Falcons set for week three this season, but they have a lucky break that will make things easier. That’s because they won’t have to face the previous top weapon in the Atlanta offense, wide receiver Julio Jones.
After ten seasons with the Falcons, Jones is finally moving on after requesting a trade. It’s been quite the offseason saga and there’s even been articles suggesting the Giants should have traded for Jones. However, that was never really a possibility and the Giants addressed the receiver spot by adding Kenny Golladay and drafting Kadarius Toney.
The team that ended up winning the Julio Jones sweepstakes is Tennessee, who were able to reach a deal with the Falcons that will see draft picks swapped and the Titans taking on Jones’ large contract.
The #Titans deal for Julio Jones:
— The #Falcons get a 2022 2nd rounder and a 2023 4th rounder.
— The #Titans get Julio Jones & a 6th rounder in 2023.
— The #Titans take on Jones’ salary of $15.3M in 2021 and the rest of the deal.
— #Falcons have $7.75M in dead money this year.— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 6, 2021
This also, thankfully, means the Giants won’t have to face Jones during the 2021 season. The last time Jones played against the Giants was in 2018, when the Falcons came away with the victory and Jones was targeted 12 times for 9 receptions and 104 yards. While he had no touchdowns in the performance, it’s safe to say his presence on the field had a big impact on the outcome given the narrow margin.
The Giants have improved their secondary since 2018, of course. It looks nearly completely different, and the James Bradberry and Adoree’ Jackson duo is predicted to do big things. But it still helps to have a big name receiver off the schedule, even if the Giants are better equipped right now to contain a player like that. Especially with all the pressure on the Giants to win this season and get off to a quicker start in their early games.