Bucs Sign Julio Jones
July 26th, 2022
Julio Jones coming to Tampa.
If people think Tom Brady isn’t all-in on finishing his career with another Super Bowl ring, they aren’t paying attention.
It seems Brady lured yet another Pro Bowl player to the Bucs’ roster. Per Adam Schefter, the Bucs reeled in receiver Julio Jones.
We will see if there is a fountain of youth in the Tampa Bay waters. First the Bucs signed Kyle Rudolph, who appeared to be running out of juice last year. And now the Bucs signed Jones, who had a dreadful season (for him) in Tennessee last season.
Welcome to Tampa, Julio!
Seven-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Julio Jones is signing a one-year deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, per source. The soon-to-be 45-year Tom Brady now will have a chance to throw to the 33-year-old Jones.
More on ESPN’s NFL Live. pic.twitter.com/IZQ4rMuEUo
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 26, 2022
July 26th, 2022 at 4:43 pm
Good 4th option.
July 26th, 2022 at 4:44 pm
ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh get hype
July 26th, 2022 at 4:44 pm
Why not
July 26th, 2022 at 4:44 pm
Awesome!
If he’s healthy, what a bonus to have as a #4 WR!
If he’s not healthy, you cut him.
There’s no downside here unless you’re a Scotty Miller or Tyler Johnson truther.
July 26th, 2022 at 4:45 pm
Can he get on the Lenny diet and become a receiving TE?
July 26th, 2022 at 4:45 pm
and godwin just got cleared for camp LFGGG
July 26th, 2022 at 4:45 pm
Does he still have enough in the tank to perform ?
July 26th, 2022 at 4:46 pm
thats great but i think we need help on the other side of the ball.
July 26th, 2022 at 4:48 pm
OH YEAH! GREAT DEPTH! Can’t have too many good football players. GO BUCS!
July 26th, 2022 at 4:49 pm
Awesome
The chances of Scotty Miller making this team just decreased even more!!!!!
July 26th, 2022 at 4:49 pm
Next up is Trey Flowers for the defense.
July 26th, 2022 at 4:50 pm
My Falcons friend is punching air and threatened our friendship if I said anything making fun of her about it lol
July 26th, 2022 at 4:51 pm
Julio was, for a long time, one of the very very top WRs in the NFL and he shouldn’t be washed up already. Injuries have always been his issue, and if he’s healthy, even if he’s lost a full step, he’d still be better than half the WRs in the NFL. Assuming he makes it through camp OK, it makes it very interesting on who is getting those last 2 WR slots (I assume we keep 6).
Breshad Perriman
Scotty Miller
Tyler Johnson
Cyril Grayson
Jaelon Darden
I think Perriman is basically a lock since, I believe, they gave him some guaranteed money – but I could be wrong.
That means one other slot, which I’d guess goes to Scotty, since they put Darden on the practice squad if they wanted to.
Cyril Grayson is already 28, and I think that works against him. They’ve changed the practice squad rules so much I no long have any idea if he can go there or not, but I’m sure they’d like to keep him around just to see what he can do.
I think Tyler Johnson played himself out of a job last year, but man did he play a ton of snaps, over 600. Defense Rules brought up how much Arians raved about his blocking, so I wonder if he sticks around somehow because of that. In fact, should the Bucs consider telling Tyler to start packing on the pounds and move him to TE – maybe in the mold of Tim Wright. Might be his best chance to stay in the NFL.
July 26th, 2022 at 4:55 pm
Better order more crow for the adamant blowhards!
I am not keen on this signing for the record.
July 26th, 2022 at 4:55 pm
The last several seasons he’s rarely practiced, missed multiple games, came out early if others and generally hasn’t been someone you can count on to be be available. I doubt that drastically changes but we shall see.
July 26th, 2022 at 4:56 pm
Jones won’t make the team.
July 26th, 2022 at 4:58 pm
I honestly don’t see the point..maybe I’m in the minority. Depends how much he has left in the tank I guess.
July 26th, 2022 at 5:02 pm
It’s a BUCS life???
July 26th, 2022 at 5:03 pm
He’ll pull a hammy signing the contract.
July 26th, 2022 at 5:04 pm
“Julio had a dreadful season in Tennessee last season.”
Somewhat, but if you look at his 14 yards per catch and his catch percentage (65%) they were close to his career average. He played 10 games, but was rarely healthy. Also the Titans have one of the worst passing offenses in the NFL.
For Julio, it all comes down to his health. At 33, he’s not at an age where elite WRs are always washed up. Also, due to all his injuries, he’s not played as many snaps as you’d think a 33-year old would have played.
But in any case, the brilliance of this move is that he’s #4 on the depth chart. There’s no negative here. If he’s healthy, he’s a HUGE advantage. If he’s not healthy, well, he’s #4 on the depth chart.
July 26th, 2022 at 5:05 pm
Bro who is stopping this offense.
July 26th, 2022 at 5:07 pm
Rob3810 Says:
July 26th, 2022 at 4:55 pm
The last several seasons he’s rarely practiced, missed multiple games, came out early if others and generally hasn’t been someone you can count on to be be available. I doubt that drastically changes but we shall see.
————-
But he was also expected to be a #1 WR, not a depth guy playing limited snaps. That might be where something changes. In any case what’s the risk-reward factor here? Well, the Bucs are risking almost nothing, and the reward is possibly getting an elite WR who is way down the depth chart.
July 26th, 2022 at 5:07 pm
Why not, good insurance and more Buccaneer talk on the tv lol. Get that ring JJ.
July 26th, 2022 at 5:09 pm
oh yeah!
July 26th, 2022 at 5:11 pm
Not a fan of this move. How much money gone, that would better go to more D help. Another pass rusher. Another DT. Another LB.
Hell, even another OL,TE or RB, or a better WR, ODB or someone like that, if you want to overdo it on offense for Brady.
You respond due to Julio’s name and his aura. That’s all in the past (same with Kyle Rudolph). Realistically, Julio is a shell of who he was. Look at his horrendous last season. What’s he got left? A possession receiver who is occasional. He may not make it through camp.
July 26th, 2022 at 5:12 pm
I would rather see the $ go to D…though no idea what he got paid or who else we bring in.
Suh.
July 26th, 2022 at 5:14 pm
Steele don’t forget – dudes are still gonna get whacked from everyone’s roster league wide soon, creating more bodies available and more cap room. Succop et al.
July 26th, 2022 at 5:14 pm
Julio’s wheels ain’t what they used to be, but he’s a big, reliable target….so why not push all the chips into the middle of the table!
July 26th, 2022 at 5:18 pm
can you say red zone threat.
July 26th, 2022 at 5:21 pm
See him being used a lot in the red zone. Depth, depth, and more depth!
July 26th, 2022 at 5:22 pm
Trade bate WR with Bears for Quinn? Bears need serious WR help- A WR or three and a late round pick, for a guy who wants out-
Plus Suh.
July 26th, 2022 at 5:24 pm
A healthy Jones, playing sparingly, fantastic!
I don’t think it changes 1, 2,& 3. I think it is more for insurance, see what he has left, and see what he can do until Godwin is 100%.
July 26th, 2022 at 5:26 pm
They actually did it lol wasn’t a fan of the prospect of Julio, but hot damn
July 26th, 2022 at 5:26 pm
Why keep signing old guys? There are a lot of areas we need help at. I don’t think receiver was in the top 5.
July 26th, 2022 at 5:28 pm
#8 — if the Bears wanted him they would have signed him. If you say that he would retire rather than play for the Bears, he still would, so they wouldn’t give anything up for him. If they are dumb enough to trade for a guy who doesn’t want to be on their team and then he retires, you’ve scored a coups. That would also be really sh!!tty of the Bucs to do that.
I maintain — he will not make the team. I would much rather have our three speedsters (Miller, Perrman, Grayson) to go along with Evans, Godwin and Gage. And I’d rather have Tyler Johnson at this stage than a washed out decrepit Julio.
July 26th, 2022 at 5:29 pm
This was a very good bet – Evans/Julio wide, Gage and CG in the slot – who is going to cover that 4wide set
July 26th, 2022 at 5:30 pm
Him as a WR 4 is completely unfair. Bye bye Darden you worthless scared and can’t run to save your life.
July 26th, 2022 at 5:31 pm
The contract is probably nothing and we can side another edge rusher like Nassib.
July 26th, 2022 at 5:36 pm
This feels like overkill, but on an offense that emphasizes a passing attack, you cannot have enough receivers. I hope the deal isnt too expensive, because what you are really paying for is his experience being of use in the post season. Keep him healthy and fresh during the season. Yet another red zone threat btw…
July 26th, 2022 at 5:39 pm
Should this be taken as a sign that Godwin won’t be ready week #1?
I’m fine with the signing but the WR room just got very very crowded.
We are going to cut a few solid receivers…
Perriman, Miller, Grayson, Johnson, Thompkins, Darden – all battling for two spots…
July 26th, 2022 at 5:41 pm
Those saying overkill – don’t forget our WR2 against the Rams in the playoffs was Tyler Johnosn
Great depth signing
July 26th, 2022 at 5:42 pm
Blasphemy. Washed up and unproductive the past couple years and one who torched us for years. I’m not a fan of this signing. I don’t even understand it! I understood Russel Gage. But this? What made Julio special was his speed, and route running. He was always open. Just not in the red zone. Even with that, he’s not a red zone threat and does not possess the breakaway speed to get in the end zone from distance. He will be an ornament. Nothing more. I’m disappointed by this. This has Brady written all over it. My hope is that someone out competes him and he never wears a Buc uniform this season. Go BUCS!!!!
July 26th, 2022 at 5:44 pm
He was trash in Tennessee and trash at the end of his career in Atlanta. This is a Hail Mary signing.
July 26th, 2022 at 5:48 pm
There is a rookie 5’7” WR that Bowels acknowledged in the OTA’s
The receiving corp is CRAZY talented, it’s the backend specialist spot . They have been trying hard recently for a smaller speedster and they have some good talent to fill the last 2 spots
July 26th, 2022 at 5:52 pm
Head scratcher. Even if the BUCS wanted to just do a sniff test, he isnt worth losing the young legs we already have. Except maybe Darden.
July 26th, 2022 at 5:52 pm
On paper sounds great,however, Julio Jones can’t stay on the field as of late.
July 26th, 2022 at 5:59 pm
As a 4th option, I’ll take Julio at 75% of what he was in a limited role. Especially in the red zone. If he ends up that he’s done… no big loss.
July 26th, 2022 at 6:00 pm
I have a premonition that a few young receivers are suddenly pulling muscles and such, and going on to IR.
July 26th, 2022 at 6:04 pm
What a joke. Jones has been washed for two maybe even three years. I doubt he even makes the roster. Licht must believe he’s an upgrade over Miller. No doubt they’ll put him through his paces before they cut Miller, or Grayson. What a complete waste of time.
July 26th, 2022 at 6:12 pm
If we just get 90% of younger Julio out of him as WR4, then holy smokes. No one is going to stop that 4 WR threat. No one.
July 26th, 2022 at 6:13 pm
I can’t believe people are saying we didn’t need this signing. Did any of you guys watch what happened when we had the depleted WR room? We looked like a middle school offense. Please remember that our whole offensive philosophy is based on our man beating your man. A so-called washed up Julio is better than our current crop of WR reserves. I can’t believe people are actually whining about the possibility of losing Grayson and Miller.
Having Jones, allows us to have more 4 WR sets. As Joe has continually pointed out, we lost a lot of production when Gronk and AB left. The 4 WR set will also allow us to run from that formation. Julio did not want to be a WR1 or 2. He knows he can’t compete at that level anymore. We just need to use him strategically. Remember when some were complaining about the AB signing saying we didn’t need him? Brady is a strategic genius. He’s looking at how all of the parts will fit.
I would be worried about possible discord in the WR room with another mouth to feed, but this is Tom Brady’s team. Brady doesn’t give a damn if you complain about not getting targets. He’s earned that respect from those in the locker room to not really test him. I remember a story Mike Vrabel tells about his time in NE with Brady. Vrabel ran a route and was open and he started waving his hand and calling out Brady’s name. Brady told him if ever waved his hand and called his name he wouldn’t see another pass again.
By the way, I fully expect Julio to be donned in TB12 merchandise when he shows up. Hopefully Tommy gets him on the TB12 method to help his hamstrings.
Finally, our schedule is very tough. We can’t afford to be caught with our pants down if we suffer a major injury at WR. And who knows how Godwin will look?
July 26th, 2022 at 6:16 pm
Unless JJ has much more in the tank that any of us realize, I don’t see him as much more than a 5-target per game player. Those 5 targets will mostly be in red zone. So, IMO, he’s a replacement (of sorts) for Gronks red-zone production. Even if his wheels have fallen off and he can’t run anymore, his catch radius is massive (like Gronk, like Evans) and THAT is where he can be of use in this offense.
Of course, he could STILL be very good from 20-20…especially on outs, curls, etc.
Look I’m not super stoked about this signing, but I am trying to see the possible silver lining. On the 10-yard line, we got Evans, Godwin, Brate, Julio, Lenny/White. Who you gonna cover, and how you gonna stop that grouping???
Might be a sneaky good signing. Might not. Let’s see if he makes the team, shall we?
GO BUCS!!!
July 26th, 2022 at 6:18 pm
I said yesterday this guy has been washed up for a few years now. Now I’m 🙏🏾 he proves me wrong. I’ll gladly eat my crow with a side of rice and gravy. Lol
July 26th, 2022 at 6:26 pm
Bucsfan13,
I agree with everything you said. You make sense. Your only point I don’t really agree with is having any discord in the WR room. In his career, Brady has handled diva receivers very well and has been a leader, seemingly imploring the “team-first” message. It’s all about winning with Brady, and with few exceptions in his career, Brady has gotten the best of whomever is in his WR room. I expect this to be no different.
Additionally, with team-FIRST guys (leaders!) like Evans and Godwin, I see little chance of friction. I think if Julio helps the team win, all will be good.
Let’s see how this plays out. So excited to hear the Joe’s reports from training camp, beginning NOW!!!
LFG – GO BUCS!!!
July 26th, 2022 at 6:35 pm
I’ll trust Jason Licht over you armchair GMs any day.
July 26th, 2022 at 6:36 pm
I have been hoping that Julio would be signed, he just needs Brady to get him back to an elite level. Great signing, you doubters will see. Now sign Suh and time for Brady to talk Gronky into coming back. This years team is built to beat the Saints and the Rams. Insane! LFG !!!!
July 26th, 2022 at 6:41 pm
He’ll draw some coverage away from Evans. Just not sure how much he has left.
July 26th, 2022 at 6:48 pm
Julio was also in a run first offense. I would like to see an analyst do an All22 film review on Jones. Opinions change when you can look at the bigger picture. TV copy doesn’t always tell you the whole story. You don’t think Brady pored over film reviewing Julio. This wasn’t a blind signing. Leftwich and Bowles are also film junkies. I’m sure they were aboard on this signing. This wasn’t an unilateral move by Brady and Licht. Bowles had to sign off on it.
July 26th, 2022 at 6:57 pm
35 points a game a reality.
July 26th, 2022 at 7:03 pm
MUNCH
I think they keep 7 receivers
Perriman, Miller, Grayson
Darden needs to show a lot of improvement and Johnson needs to show some serious consistency with his hands. Sad because he’s definitely got the most upside of the bunch.
Either way, I think those are the two odd man out. Unless… Godwin does not come back right away
July 26th, 2022 at 7:08 pm
NICCCCCCCCCCCCCEEEEEEEE
July 26th, 2022 at 7:09 pm
But does he have any juice left?
July 26th, 2022 at 7:15 pm
Oh yeah! I gave up on us possibly going after him when it was discussed 3 or so months ago….I was all about it, just had to be team friendly. Well, looks like Mr Licht worked some magic and here we are. If we get 25% success from him, especially down the stretch (just dont over use him)….then this will be looked back on as another genius move by Mr Licht!!!!
Man Im stoked!!!!
July 26th, 2022 at 7:18 pm
I am so glad I can fully enjoy this addition. Just as when Tom Brady moved to Tampa, I have no qualms in the past with Julio that leaves any bitter aftertaste seeing him slip on pewter. There are players I’ve had this sense of sour with such as Le’veon Bell but not so with Brady or Jones.
They’re both players I hoped would lose to our Bucs, but unlike Bell, I always respected their talent and watched them play with admiration of their abilities. I hope Julio can be at least 80% of what he once was because that would be better than many starting WRs in the league.
Being a year more of rehabbing into his after injury career, I expect he’ll be better than last season. Welcome to Buc’s football, Julio!
July 26th, 2022 at 7:21 pm
David, I think they keep 7 also, but there isn’t a chance Miller is one. Zero chances Darden is cut. You have 3 years of control at a cheap rate. Miller is definitely gone. You don’t keep a guy you’re going to lose next year anyway. Plus, he’s terrible at actually playing receiver.
The three others will be Perriman, Johnson and Darden. Darden and Johnson have control past this season and will be needed in the future.
July 26th, 2022 at 7:25 pm
I don’t get this signing unless we have injuries, but what about a LB, DE, or another corner ? I saw someone say who’s going to stop this offense and have to say our Defense because we still desperately need a true passing rushing DE and obviously a fast linebacker because David isn’t the same and White is going to really need to step it up !! The corners have been very injury prone like Davis and SMB and that’s worrisome, but Go Bucs and PLEASE take the pressure off JOE Tryon and bring in a pass rusher.. Quinn is 34, but maybe make a trade for someone because last years D was hard to watch especially still knowing they allowed LA to win that stupid and WOKE super ring!! All Lives Matter
July 26th, 2022 at 7:54 pm
Julio ran a 4.38 40 at the combine, on a fractured foot! This Man is a large receiver too!
Tennessee got screwed by Atlanta in the trade for him, giving up a 2nd round draft pick.
He can be literally a game changing receiver, but did not show that with the Titans, so they cut him.
I bet Brady will rejuvenate him, and then OMG, if you are our opponent, WHO do you cover ?
July 26th, 2022 at 8:03 pm
I hate to say it, but Miller is the highest trade value of our bubble….Id hate to see him go, but we could recover, what was it, 4th? of next year?….just saying.
July 26th, 2022 at 8:11 pm
If the defense suffers anyplace close to the injuries they had last season … and especially on the DLine … 35 PPG may not be enough.
With Chris Godwin not going on PUP, and possibly being ready for Week 1, Bucs didn’t NEED Julio Jones for depth (he’s certainly not gonna be a starter on this team). We’ve got decent depth on our OLine, our RBs, and yes our WRs & TEs.
Compare the depth there to the lack of depth we have on our DLine & our LBs. Would’ve thought Bucs’ fans would figure out after our 2020 & 2021 seasons that … DEFENSE WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS.
July 26th, 2022 at 8:15 pm
@DR, They have to be affordable….and where that meets talent, theres just not much available
July 26th, 2022 at 8:27 pm
Julio has never been a huge threat in the red zone, his career high for TD catches is 10am a season. But he’s always been and still can be a dynamic threat in the middle of the field.
Leftwhich will know how to use him.
July 26th, 2022 at 8:45 pm
He has to be more emotionally stable than Antonio Brown. Falcon games should be fun.
Brady being the crafty veteran he is and if given time he can find the mismatches better than most other QB’s
Evans – Godwin – Julio YIKES! Who do you cover?
July 26th, 2022 at 8:47 pm
They don’t need him to be 2015 Julio Jones.
Julio Jones, Kyle Rudolph, and Russell Gage need to replace the production of Gronk and AB.
July 26th, 2022 at 9:14 pm
Who is left to play special teams?
July 26th, 2022 at 9:23 pm
Now we got the best offensive and defensive player from the Falcons 3 years ago in Neal and Jones. Hopefully Brady can lead them to the fountain of youth that he has
July 26th, 2022 at 9:27 pm
I hope he have more left in the tank and not turn into leveon bell or shady
July 26th, 2022 at 10:36 pm
I swear we could sign Cooper Krupp and our fan base would find something to cry and bitch about.. let the dude play before all your estrogen kicks in.. I trust he will be better than what we had last year..
July 26th, 2022 at 11:22 pm
I have no issues with this signing. Taking a gamble on him is a smart move. So far as his declining play, it doesn’t matter. He came cheap and he’ll make big plays at key moments.
I still feel like we need more defense though. Someone mentioned Nassib? Is that Carl Nassib? If so, I would love to have him back.
July 27th, 2022 at 12:07 am
Tom Brady is going to get his body shamans to bring old Julio Jones back and the bucs are going to destroy the league.
July 27th, 2022 at 1:06 am
Licht is just thinking one year ahead in preparation of trying to sign Matty Ice after Brady retires LOLOLOL.
As has been said, not a bad #4 or #5 option if healthy.
July 27th, 2022 at 1:37 am
You have to remember, that just the THREAT of Julio lining up out on the field is going to play havoc with defenses and create weaker coverage on our other WRs, TEs and passing backs. So, in essence, Julio is just as much a psychological weapon as a legit WR threat and I love that. He’ll help open up the field for all our receivers and make TB’s job easier. Great signing. Now if we could just get AB back, too!
July 27th, 2022 at 1:58 am
Imagine TB having the following targets on a single play: Godwin, Evans, Gage, Julio, Kyle Rudolph, Cade and passing back Rachaad White! Secondaries would have meltdowns even beginning to try to cover that level of passing offense.
July 27th, 2022 at 2:39 am
Love the addition of julio jones,but of course the main concern is his health and availability..Personally I wouldn’t cut scotty milller tho-he offers more than catching a long ball…u gotta think of all the times on special teams when he’s the first one down there… he’s caused and recovered fumbles for us…theres no one else that beats him down field to apply pressure on punts..plus now he bulked up a little too..
July 27th, 2022 at 2:46 am
Now imagine we ALSO get Gronk back!!
Is there anyway the football gods would be that good to us?
July 27th, 2022 at 2:52 am
This signing SCREAMS Godwin ain’t gonna start w1
July 27th, 2022 at 3:30 am
At least we’re trying, but this dude is broken as hell. If healthy, I like it, but don’t expect many touchdowns.
July 27th, 2022 at 6:18 am
Some of you have obviously forgotten that crap-show of a WR corps at the end of last season.
He’s a GREAT depth signing. Obviously nobody expects the Julio of old that tormented the Bucs for years. Instantly, he’s better than Tyler, Scotty, Brett, and all others combined.
Now, can he stay healthy?
July 27th, 2022 at 7:09 am
he’s gonna make the team as a big possession type receiver since he’s slowed down…believe it or not, but he will replace a little bit of the gronk stuff we lost in a roundabout way…tough catches in traffic, red zone and stuff…hopefully…
also he was a really really great receiver…and he just might have lost a little drive in his last atlanta season and in tennessee…
he might have just enough juice left to have one more good season if he wants it…just depends if he wants it and how badly…
maybe tommy b lights a fire under his arse and we will be shockingly surprised
July 27th, 2022 at 9:45 am
Julio will be asked to do way less and his pedigree will make defenses be honest.
Good depth signing. Hopefully with the TB12 method he can avoid another soft tissue injury while playing for the Bucs.