Following the Philadelphia Eagles' most disappointing loss in at least two seasons, general manager Howie Roseman added a major depth piece to quarterback Jalen Hurts' arsenal.
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Tuesday afternoon, the Eagles signed seven-time Pro Bowl and one-time First-Team All-Pro selection wide receiver Julio Jones, filling a desperate need on offense. The team made the signing official via X.
We've signed WR Julio Jones. pic.twitter.com/yMxM3tId9p
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) October 17, 2023
Jones, 34, spent last season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he caught 24 passes for a career-low 299 yards with a pair of touchdowns in 10 games. Prior to joining the Buccaneers, Jones spent one injury-riddled campaign with the Tennessee Titans.
Through the first 12 seasons of his career, Jones caught 903 passes for 13,629 yards and 63 touchdowns. While hamstring injuries have limited him in recent seasons, there is still some value that Jones can contribute to an Eagles' receiving corps that largely lacks experience behind starters A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith.
"He doesn't have a whole lot left," an AFC South Scouting Director told FanBuzz, on the condition of anonymity to speak freely about another team. "But people like having him around because he is tough, Knowledgeable and unselfish."
Part of that experience and knowledge is the fact that he made a Super Bowl appearance with the Atlanta Falcons following the 2016 season.
Checking in at 6-3, 220 pounds, it isn't difficult to envision a situation where the Eagles deploy Jones from the slot, and especially in red-zone situations to give Hurts another target. Philadelphia's red-zone offense has been stagnant this season, ranking No. 23 in the NFL, scoring touchdowns on just 45.4 percent of trips inside the 20-yard line.
In Philadelphia, Jones could immediately push for the No. 3 receiver role, with only Olamide Zaccheaus, and Britain Covey standing in his way, after Quez Watkins was placed on injured reserve.
There's a legitimate chance that Jones makes his Eagles debut when Philadelphia hosts the Miami Dolphins on Sunday Night Football this week.
