The Indianapolis Colts made a trade to acquire Atlanta Falcons star quarterback Matt Ryan on Monday.
The @Colts and @AtlantaFalcons have agreed to a trade including @mattryanreal via @AdamSchefter.
Falcons Receive: 2022 Third Round pick
Colts Receive: QB, Matt Ryan #NFL #Colts #Falcons
— QCHS PantherPac (@QCHSPantherPack) March 22, 2022
Ryan comes to Indianapolis without a dominant receiver on the roster.
The best receiver they have is third-year star Michael Pittman Jr.
Last year he led the team in receiving yards with 1,082.
While Pittman is a solid receiver, he is no Julio Jones.
Jones is in a league of his own when it comes to receivers.
He is also a former teammate of Ryan’s.
Reuniting the duo might be something that can revive both of their careers.
Ryan And Jones Worked Well For Atlanta
When the pair were playing for the Falcons, they both excelled.
Matt Ryan pulls out the trickery and somehow finds Julio Jones for a 40-yard TD. Wild play on 4th-down.pic.twitter.com/pKEbh2sisi
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) October 18, 2020
In 2015, Jones had his best year with 136 receptions for 1,871 yards.
In 2016, Ryan had his best year with 4,944 passing yards and 38 touchdowns.
Ryan has also taken the Falcons to the playoffs six times since his career started in 2008.
While both Ryan and Jones are in their 30s, that hasn’t stopped other players from still shining on the field.
The Colts would do well to give Jones a chance in Indianapolis with his former teammate.
If they can give a chance to Ryan, it would be a no-brainer to get Jones for the team.
Could A Ryan/Jones Pairing Be Like The Brady/Gronk Pairing In Tampa?
When Tom Brady went down to Tampa Bay to join the Bucs, he got his best tight end Rob Gronkowski to join him.
The pair would work together to take Tampa Bay to a Super Bowl victory in 2021.
Those two players share some similarities with Ryan and Jones.
They were both teammates that left one team to go to another.
Gronk and Jones are about the same age, while Brady is much older than Ryan.
Even with Brady’s age, he keeps getting better like a fine wine.
Ryan might find that as well in Indianapolis if the team gets Jones.
Both players have gas in the tank, and a pairing might push the Colts’ chances to make the playoffs a little higher.
Are The Colts Worried About Jones’ Medical History?
The one thing that might be holding the Colts back on getting Jones is his history with injuries.
Julio Jones overall, how much are the Pats willing to give up for the history of injuries he brings. pic.twitter.com/1gbUhgeT31
— Donnel E•C•S (@Letsgoemperor) May 24, 2021
While playing with the Titans, he was out for some games due to a hamstring issue.
He also played hurt during the 2018 season with a foot injury with the Falcons.
The foot injury has been an issue for Jones since 2011 when he fractured his foot at the NFL combine.
That could be what the Colts are looking at with Jones before deciding to make him an offer.
On the other hand, Jones’ best years came after these findings from 2011.
The question should be if Jones can remain healthy for an entire NFL season.
We know he can produce at the highest levels in the NFL even while hurt.
But can he keep himself injury-free while playing a longer NFL season?
The Colts should give Jones a chance and examine if he has recovered from his past injuries.
If Jones can pass a physical, the Colts should sign him and give Ryan a familiar face with his new team.
NEXT: Colts Were Reportedly Focused On A Different Veteran QB