Why ESPN's Bart Scott favors Ravens in Julio Jones sweepstakes originally appeared on NBC Sports Washington
When new Atlanta general manager Terry Fontenot realized the extent of the Falcons' salary cap problems, Julio Jones emerged as Fonetnot's best asset to try and recoup some resources to help the Super Bowl LI runner-ups embark on a rebuild.
Of course, trading away Jones isn't a forgone conclusion at this point. But with reports gaining momentum in recent days, the 32-year-old's final two years of his three-year, $66 million contract could be moved sooner than later.
We've got the news you need to know to start your day. Sign up for the First & 4Most morning newsletter โ delivered to your inbox daily. Sign up here.
Baltimore was named the favorites to land Jones via a trade from one sportsbook, and ESPN NFL analyst Bart Scott agrees.
While ESPN "Get Up" host Mike Greenberg was among those to contend the Titans and Chargers would be best suited to acquire the Falcons' all-time franchise leader in receiving yard and catches, Scott doesn't think those teams qualify for Jones' services.
"Because they're not knocking on the doorstep," Scott said on Friday morning. "You talk about the Baltimore Ravens most complete team in the NFL knocking on the doorstep, ready to take the next step. You talk about a young quarterback that's inexpensive while Lamar Jackson is still on his rookie deal. You talk about the ability to have an eight-man box, there's going to be nothing but space for a guy like Julio Jones."
NBC Sports
As the league's best rushing attack for the last couple seasons with Jackson under center, general manager Eric DeCosta and head coach John Harbaugh have seemingly made it a point of emphasis to give their MVP quarterback some aerial help.
Baltimore selected Rashod Bateman with the 27th pick in the draft and signed free-agent Sammy Watkins as their new No. 5 Marquise "Hollywood" Brown must be giddy with the very thought of adding another bona fide stud like Jones.
"And also he can be a mentor in a guy like Bateman, who is similar," Scott said. "And Sammy Watkins, you can't consistently count on his feet to be healthy so if you bring him in you can imagine that threat with Lamar Jackson, with that running game with Mark Andrews. With Bateman, with potentially Sammy Watkins, that's a team to be reckoned with."