Should Colts reunite Matt Ryan with Julio Jones?

Sep 29, 2019; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) greets quarterback Matt Ryan (2) before their game against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 29, 2019; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) greets quarterback Matt Ryan (2) before their game against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

After trading for Matt Ryan, the Indianapolis Colts could reunite the quarterback with his former receiver Julio Jones.

On Monday, the Indianapolis Colts finally found their quarterback for next season when they traded with the Atlanta Falcons to acquire Matt Ryan.

Indy sent Atlanta a 2022 third-round pick and Ryan will come to Indy and is under contract for the next two seasons. Now, the Colts will need to finish building the roster around Ryan.

Something Indy needs most is pass catchers. Outside of Michael Pittman Jr., Indianapolis’ receivers struggled last season. To this point of the offseason, Indy hasn’t been able to add to the receiver room.

With a starting quarterback now in place, the Colts will be able to recruit free agents to the city. One receiver Indy could start with is someone that Ryan has a lot of history with: Julio Jones.

Jones was recently released by the Tennessee Titans and is free to sign with whatever team he wants. Many feel that he should reunite with Ryan in Indianapolis, including some of Indy’s players.

Could a Matt Ryan and Julio Jones reunion happen with Colts?

Ryan and Jones were one of the best QB-WR duos of the last decade. In the 10 seasons from when Julio was drafted in 2011 to when he was traded in 2021, he and Ryan had a special connection.

The duo played 135 games together and Jones caught 848 passes for 12,896 yards and 60 touchdowns. Neither of their careers would be what they are without the other. They were able to create magic together in Atlanta.

Now, both of their times with the Falcons have ended but that doesn’t mean that their partnership has to be over for good. With Ryan in Indianapolis, Jones could come and join him at an affordable price.

This would help address a need in Indy and give Ryan a weapon that he is familiar with. There may be concerns about Julio’s health or if he can consistently be the dominant receiver he once was, but on a cheap deal, this is definitely something the Colts should explore.

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