Week One of the NFL season is still a little over three months away, but NFL teams around the league are finalizing their rosters in anticipation of minicamps and training camp.
Even though most of the heavy lifting in free agency and the draft is done, there is still plenty of news around the league. Let’s take a look at some of the biggest stories from the past week.
Jones On The Block?
According to Jeff Schultz of The Athletic, it appears that Atlanta Falcons’ wide receiver Julio Jones is on the block and likely to be traded before the NFL season.
Any move of Jones is likely due to cap constraints on the part of the Falcons. With Jones expected to make approximately $22 million, he would both give the Falcons financial flexibility and a potential enticing return.
With Calvin Ridley emerging as a viable primary receiver and the draft selection of Kyle Pitts, the Falcons may already have a receiving tandem that will allow them to lessen the blow on a Jones loss.
Still, Julio Jones is a potential Hall-of-Famer and has been elite throughout his career. The 32-year-old’s best season came back in 2015 when he had 136 receptions for 1,871 yards and eight touchdowns.
Last season, Jones was limited to just nine games but still managed 51 catches for 771 yards and three touchdowns.
While his best days are certainly behind him, Jones could be a great option on a contending team. He is seemingly available; it is just a matter of whether a team will pay up to get him.
The Atlanta Falcons are currently +5000 to win the Super Bowl this upcoming season.
Brown Deal Not Done Yet
Back in April, it was reported that Antonio Brown had agreed to a one-year deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to return to the defending champions. The deal could net the star receiver just a little over six million and had a little over three million in guarantees.
On Wednesday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network indicated that a deal has not officially been signed after the receiver underwent knee surgery earlier in the week.
It still appears that the Buccaneers are not worried about the procedure and still intend to sign the receiver.
Last season, Brown had 45 receptions for 483 yards and four touchdowns. Behind both Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, Brown gives the Bucs a lethal third option that Tom Brady has grown comfortable with.
The Buccaneers are currently +650 to win Super Bowl LVI. The only team with better odds are the Kansas City Chiefs at +500.
Edelman A Buc? Not Likely
Ever since Julian Edelman retired earlier in the offseason, there have been rampant rumors that the Bucs may look to bring in Brady’s former wide receiver. After all, the formula has been used before with tight end Rob Gronkowski.
Even Tom Brady got in on the fun with a subtle tweet trying to insinuate that teaming up in Tampa Bay could be an option.
On Thursday, though, Edelman tried to downplay those whispers as he told Michael Irvin of NFL Network that he had no intentions of ever playing for a different team.
Obviously, never say never, but it appears that Edelman, unlike Gronkowski, may be retired for good.
Last season, in just six games, the soon-to-be 35-year-old had 21 receptions for 315 yards but no touchdowns.
