Jun 9, 2021
After weeks of speculation, former Atlanta Falcons superstar wide receiver Julio Jones was traded to the Tennessee Titans for a 2022 second-round pick and 2023 fourth-round pick. Despite the New England Patriots being cited as a destination of interest for Jones on multiple occasions, the Patriots ultimately did not show as much interest as anticipated.
The most likely reason for the team's lack of interest in the perennial All-Pro is a combination of Jones' albatross contract and age. Jones is slated to make $38 million over the next three years, with over $15 million due in the upcoming 2021 season.
NBC Sports' Peter King cited this reason in his column after the trade, stating that "New England never had serious interest in committing $38 million to a 32-year-old receiver."