Julio Jones: Three under-the-radar trade destination possibilities
By Joel Deering
3. Miami Dolphins
I almost didn’t add the Miami Dolphins to this list. My first thought was that the Dolphins are rebuilding, so it doesn’t make sense for them to pursue a star like Julio Jones, due to him being in the back half of his career. However, after more consideration, I realized that the Miami Dolphins aren’t rebuilding. Last season they finished with a record of 10-6, missing the playoffs by just one game. Yes, the Dolphins still have questions about their roster, but their roster is built to compete right now.
The Miami defense tied for fifth in points allowed per game last season. Similar to the Washington Football Team, the biggest question for the Dolphins is their offense. Tua Tagovailoa split time with Ryan Fitzpatrick at quarterback last season, but now Fitzpatrick is gone. Tua looked great at times last season, but also didn’t look so great other times.
Tua still has a lot of growing to do, but quarterback isn’t the biggest problem for this offense. Wide receiver is a bigger issue. Last season, the Dolphins’ leading receiver was DeVante Parker, who caught 63 passes for 793 yards. Tight end Mike Gesicki had a nice season also, catching 53 passes for 703 yards. After that, the production at receiver dropped off significantly. Myles Gaskin, who is a running back, was the third leading receiver on the team, with 388 receiving yards.
Miami invested a first-round pick in Alabama receiver Jaylen Waddle. Waddle should play a big role in this offense and help Tua Tagovailoa and this offense make strides, but Miami shouldn’t be satisfied with the weapons they have for their young quarterback. With a defense ready to compete for championships, the offense needs all the firepower it can get. This is why Miami should consider trading for Julio Jones.
Adding Julio Jones to the mix would not only help Tua Tagovailoa grow, but it would also take pressure off DeVante Parker, Mike Gesicki, and Jaylen Waddle. The addition of Julio Jones would take this offense from being mediocre to a top 10 offense that would complement their defense very nicely.