There have been rumblings about a potential Matt Ryan–Julio Jones reunion with the Indianapolis Colts.
When the Horseshoe traded for Ryan almost two months ago, speculation about Jones joining him in Indy became rampant.
Even after the Colts drafted Cincinnati Bearcats wideout Alec Pierce several days ago, the possibility of Jones joining the squad isn’t a far-fetched possibility.
Let’s break down the pros and cons of the Colts signing the veteran.
Pro: Chemistry With Matt Ryan Bodes Well For The Colts
Jones’ chemistry with Ryan is the main reason why the Colts should sign the former.
They were teammates with the Atlanta Falcons from 2011 to 2020.
Will the #Colts now pursue Julio Jones and reunite him with Matt Ryan…? pic.twitter.com/zAuqa7bBkZ
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) March 21, 2022
Jones and Ryan should mesh seamlessly when they play for the Colts because they were together with the Falcons for 10 seasons.
Seeing those two players revive their chemistry in the Circle City for the next two years or so is an exciting possibility.
Pro: Jones Can Mentor The Colts’ Young Wide Receiver Corps
Jones can help new Colts wide receiver coach Reggie Wayne by mentoring Indy’s young wide receiver core.
He can take Michael Pittman, Jr., Alec Pierce, Dezmon Patmon, Ashton Dulin, and Parris Campbell under his wing.
That role becomes more significant should T.Y. Hilton not return for an 11th season in Indianapolis.
Jones’ experience should rub off on the Colts’ younger wideouts.
With him around, he will help them reach their full potential.
Con: He Has Been Battling Injuries Since 2020
One red flag the Colts should consider is Jones’ injury history the past two years.
He suited up in just nine games for the Falcons during the 2020 NFL season due to injury.
Those seven games he missed were the most since he sat out 11 games seven years earlier.
Nevertheless, Jones still had 771 receiving yards and three touchdowns on 51 receptions in his last year as a Falcon.
Jones also limped through the 2021 NFL campaign with the Tennessee Titans.
A hamstring injury limited him to just 10 games last year.
Jones could still put up respectable numbers with limited playing time for the Colts.
Should he remain healthy in 2022, a reunion with Ryan could rejuvenate the 33-year-old wideout.
Jones could still end his legendary NFL career on a high note in Indy.
Conclusion: The Colts Should Consider Signing Him
If Colts GM Chris Ballard can somehow lure Jones to Indy on a cheap one- or two-year deal, the team’s wide receiver corps should fly high in 2022.
Jones brings plenty of experience and savvy to a Colts team that seeks redemption next season.
The #Colts have shown interest in potentially signing WR Julio Jones to reunite with Matt Ryan-but no deal is done at this time. The Colts, however, do seem like the logical landing spot considering their need at WR and the connection to Matt Ryan. pic.twitter.com/b3C9E48I5I
— Michael Balko (@MichaelBalkoJr) March 23, 2022
We hope we haven’t seen the last of the Matt Ryan-Julio Jones connection just yet.
Should that materialize, it will bring back memories of Peyton Manning connecting for touchdown passes with Reggie Wayne and Marvin Harrison.
NEXT: The Colts’ Revamped Tight End Corps Looks To Surprise In 2022