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Could the Chargers acquire Julio Jones? It’s a longshot bet worth considering

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones runs on the field against the Detroit Lions
The Chargers might want to explore a trade for Atlanta Falcons receiver Julio Jones.
(John Bazemore / Associated Press)
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Jonesin’ for a new receiver? It appears as though star receiver Julio Jones is going to have a new home, and sooner rather than later. If the Atlanta Falcons trade Jones after June 1, they would create roughly $15 million in cap space for the cash-strapped team need to sign its incoming draft class. This news raises two obvious questions: Where is he going and how can we profit from it?

Reports surfaced that the Titans and Patriots were on Jones’ list of preferred destinations. That is strange because neither team is a title favorite and they don’t have much in common with each other. Further complicating things, Jones does not have a no-trade clause, so any request of preferred landing spots are just that — requests.

One team that caught my eye is the Chargers at +800 at DraftKings Sportsbook. Los Angeles has great weather and a ton of pro sports teams. Not only could the Chargers use the boost Jones would provide, but the team’s marketing department is certainly looking to ramp up ticket and jersey sales in a city where they are not only the new kid on the block, but often the forgotten one.

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Chargers free safety Derwin James a part of the team’s first minicamp of the season Monday.

May 24, 2021

Although the Chargers are not on Jones’ list of desired teams, a chance to live in L.A. and have one of the emerging stars of the league in Justin Herbert throwing him the ball is likely a scenario he could be sold on. The Chargers could use all the publicity they can get, and in a division with the Chiefs, need all the offense they can get as well. With wide receiver Mike Williams not under contract next year, and Keenan Allen coming off of a year in which he battled injuries, the Chargers might make a play for Jones, and at long odds they are worth a shot to do so.

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