Written by: Brett Maier
I want to preface this article by stating this is under the assumption that Rodgers will either be swayed by this move. Or, he changes his mind and realizes Green Bay is his best option to compete for a title regardless of this potential move.
As the title states, Julio Jones to the Packers makes almost too much sense for both sides. I don’t want this to turn into the Aaron Rodgers article but it’s hard to avoid the monkey in the room. Aaron has stated he doesn’t want to play for the team anymore and demands a trade. Which could certainly happen. His reasoning is 100% petty, you can’t deny that. And to me, it’s also the wrong move for him. Green Bay is a top 3 team in the NFC and they are in that small pack that actually have a chance to make it to the Super Bowl. They are a couple missed Rodgers to Adams red zone passes away from being in it last season! So let’s stick it out for one more year here, because this might be Green Bay’s best chance yet.
Everyone’s aware the Packers are in need of another outside weapon at wide receiver. When you look at other NFC contenders like the Buccaneers and the Rams, they have multiple weapons who rank as some of the best wide receivers in the NFL. It is necessary in today’s league to have multiple weapons in order to have a successful and contending roster. And although he is aging, Julio Jones is what this team needs. There are injury concerns with him as he is straight up old at this point. But do the Packers need the same amount of production as Atlanta? No. They need about 75% of what Julio was giving in his prime, if that. They aren’t looking to break records here. They need another player that gives them a high percentage shot in these playoff games to convert the necessary yards on 3rd down or in the red zone. Like the glorified role player. Except he’s a hall of fame wide receiver. Julio’s like the one friend you go out to the bar with who keeps the conversations rolling with everyone around. He’s not the funniest guy at the place, or the important designated driver, but he’s the middle guy who asks the questions about people’s lives that keeps the chains moving. The Packers are missing that extra piece to get them over the hump.
The best part about it is the price to pay. This isn’t a couple firsts, your life savings, or giving up a kidney. The rumored offer is a single first round pick. If you’re the Packers, you’ve made the conference title 2 years in a row, how do you not go for it? The window is closing here; the NFC is weak right now. In my eyes, you have 2 other teams that are serious contenders at the moment with the Buccaneers and Rams. Then you have a couple potentials with the 49ers, Seahawks and Saints. The NFC is super slim, now is the time. You already drafted your QB of the future a year ago and everywhere else you at least average. Giving up a first for one year to potentially have a top 10 wide receiver this season is worth it.
Again this is barring the trade situation with Rodgers. But where else would he have a better shot over the next 2 seasons. Denver has a very good roster, but making that move takes away 2 to 3 valuable pieces off the team and you enter a tougher division. So I don’t see why if he really wants to win he wouldn’t stay put. Assuming he ends up staying, this puts them right on par with the Buccaneers roster and in this league it’s near impossible to repeat championships. Julio is the piece this team needs. Call it into the office, lock it in. Get Roger on the phone, and maybe Aaron will forgive you for your previous mistakes.
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