NY Jets: Analyzing what a hypothetical Julio Jones trade would look like

The NY Jets likely aren't going to be involved in the market for star wide receiver Julio Jones who remains embroiled in trade rumors. But just for the sake of fun, what would a hypothetical trade look like?

For starters, let's briefly discuss why a Julio Jones trade just doesn't make a ton of success for Gang Green. The Jets are fresh off a 2-14 season a year ago and, while improved on paper, likely won't be competing for a championship in 2021.

That means it's hard to imagine them sending future draft capital to the Atlanta Falcons for a 32-year-old wide receiver who wouldn't align with their future plans.

Jones is still an excellent player, but he doesn't make sense for the Jets. Nor do the Jets make sense for Jones who is looking to play for a contender.

But what happens if the Jets shock everyone and actually make a move for the future Hall of Famer? What would a possible trade look like?

What would a NY Jets trade for Julio Jones look like?

The Falcons have reportedly been seeking a first-round pick in return for Jones, although it's highly unlikely they get that at this stage. Recent reports suggest they want to land at least a second-round pick given that they received a similar haul for Mohamed Sanu.

Jones is undoubtedly the more valuable player, but he won't come cheap. And without a potential out until the 2023 season, it would be more than just a one-year commitment.

The Jets are one of the few teams with the cap flexibility to make a deal work, with an estimated $25 million, per Over the Cap. That would bode well for their chances if they were actually in on his market.

Let's assume the baseline is a second-round pick plus a fifth-round pick and work from there. Here's what a potential trade could look like.

Fortunately, the Jets have the luxury of possessing multiple picks in Rounds 2, 5, and 6. That extra second-round pick comes from the Carolina Panthers in the Sam Darnold trade while the extra fifth is from the Avery Williamson deal.

In this case, the Jets send both of their acquired picks and hold on to each of their own selections. This is because the Jets are still expected to pick toward the top of each round making their own second-round pick a little more valuable, on paper, than Carolina's.

Would Atlanta accept this offer? I'd say there's a good chance they would. But would the Jets propose such a deal? It's highly unlikely for the reasons discussed earlier.

General manager Joe Douglas isn't one to surrender future draft capital, especially for an aging veteran who does little to help the current core.

Perhaps the only argument would be to provide additional help for the team's rookie quarterback, Zach Wilson. However, the wide receiver corps is already much improved following offseason additions of Corey Davis, Keelan Cole, and Elijah Moore.

The Jets aren't going to trade for Julio Jones. But if they did, a hypothetical trade would likely look something like what we deatiled above.