5 realistic trade destinations for Julio Jones this offseason

The Patriots lack of talent at wide receiver has been exposed this year, as a depleted Cam Newton hasn’t covered it even the way Tom Brady did toward the end. Jakobi Meyers (661 yards entering Week 17) is the team’s leading receiver, and running back Rex Burkhead leads the team with three touchdown catches.

With a pick in the top half of the first round this year after missing the playoffs for the first time since 2008, and the fourth-most cap space in the league right now, Bill Belichick can reload the roster quickly.

Belichick lamented New England’s inability to spend last offseason, pointing to going all-in for Brady’s last years. In parallel with figuring out who the quarterback will be next season (and surely beyond), perhaps in free agency, moves to bolster the passing game weapons have to happen. Sending that first-round pick elsewhere in a trade for a veteran could be on the table.

Tyler Brooke of Bleacher Report outlined a possible Patriots trade offer for Jones.

Patriots get: Julio Jones
Falcons get: 2021 first-round pick, 2021 sixth-round pick, 2022 third-round pick