As training camp kicked off on Wednesday, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers made a roster move sparking frenzy in the football world. Seven-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Julio Jones signed a one-year deal, adding to an embarrassment of riches in Tampa Bay's offensive powerhouse led by Tom Brady. After causing the Bucs' defense consistent fits over the years, Jones joins his former NFC South rival. He fills the vacancy that opened after the club released tight end Codey McElroy on Tuesday, bringing the camp total to 90.
Brady's talented receiving cast features Mike Evans, Chris Godwin and Jones' former Atlanta teammate, Russell Gage Jr. Godwin's timetable for return following an ACL tear in December is undetermined and Jones solidifies the depth chart. Leading into the playoff run last season, the Buccaneers faced an exorbitant number of injuries at receiver. Jones provides insurance against injury in a 17-game regular season.
The 33-year-old spent the 2021 season with the Tennessee Titans after an illustrious career spanning a decade with the Atlanta Falcons. Throughout his prolific career, Jones has accumulated 879 receptions for 13,330 yards and 61 touchdowns. He has seven seasons surpassing the 1,000-yard receiving marker, serving as an offensive catalyst. With game-wrecking speed and precision on routes, Jones is a nightmare for defensive coordinators with his ability to win over the top. During his campaign in Nashville, Jones battled injuries and spent part of the 2021 season on injured reserve. He was released on March 16 as a post-June 1 designation by the Titans and has the opportunity to become a significant contributor for the Buccaneers.
His arrival onto the scene begs the question, how will he fit in Tampa Bay's offensive onslaught? Brady has a track record of elevating the performance of players surrounding him and the revitalization of Jones is next. With the full gamut of abilities, Jones can line up anywhere along the formation. He has the traits that all coaches covet: catch radius, body control and leaping ability. Often dubbed a "freak of nature," Jones is effortless in and out of breaks, exploding off the line of scrimmage.
He is a vertical threat due to rare speed and generates big plays after the catch on crossing routes and screens with physicality on runs, maximizing the Buccaneers chance at contention in 2022. The do-it-all phenom hauls in catches outside of his frame and navigates the sideline as good as any receiver in the NFL. The dynamic weapon will take Tampa Bay's aerial assault to another level. With his ability to beat press coverage and locate soft spots in zones, Jones rounds out Byron Leftwich's arsenal. Defenses will have to pick their poison as another nightmare mismatch takes the field.
View pictures from WR Julio Jone's NFL career thus far.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) works against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) runs toward the end zone for a touchdown against Philadelphia Eagles free safety Rodney McLeod (23) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) makes a catch before an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) makes a catch during the second half of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Los Angeles Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey (20) works against Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) misses the catch against Los Angeles Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey (20) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Seattle Seahawks cornerback Akeem King (36) tackles Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) tries in vain to pull in a pass in the end zone over New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) in the first half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019. (AP Photo/Rusty Costanza)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) makes the catch against Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Carlton Davis (33) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback A.J. Bouye (21) tackles Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) is hit by Jacksonville Jaguars safety Ronnie Harrison (36) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Amis)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) runs by Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback A.J. Bouye (21) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) runs a route as Minnesota Vikings strong safety Harrison Smith (22) defends during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2020, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) catches a pass over Minnesota Vikings cornerback Cameron Dantzler during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2020, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) warms up before an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020, in Atlanta. The New Orleans Saints won 21-16. (AP Photo/Danny Karnik)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) runs the ball as New Orleans Saints cornerback P.J. Williams (26) defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020, in Atlanta. The New Orleans Saints won 21-16. (AP Photo/Danny Karnik)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) catches a pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020, in Atlanta. The New Orleans Saints won 21-16. (AP Photo/Danny Karnik)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) can't make the catch as New Orleans Saints cornerback P.J. Williams (26) and free safety Marcus Williams (43) defend during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020, in Atlanta. The New Orleans Saints won 21-16. (AP Photo/Danny Karnik)
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Julio Jones (2) warms up during NFL football training camp Wednesday, July 28, 2021, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Julio Jones (2) blocks Arizona Cardinals middle linebacker Jordan Hicks (58) in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Julio Jones plays against the Indianapolis Colts in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Julio Jones plays against the Kansas City Chiefs in an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 24, 2021, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Julio Jones (2) runs a route during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Nov. 7, 2021 in Inglewood, Calif. The Titans won 28-16. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
A portrait of Tennessee Titans wide receiver Julio Jones (2) during the national anthem prior to an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Nov. 7, 2021 in Inglewood, Calif. The Titans won 28-16. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Julio Jones (2) warms up before an NFL football game, Sunday, December 19, 2021 in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Matt Durisko)
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Julio Jones (2) during player warmups before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Sunday, Jan. 9, 2022, in Houston. (AP Photo/Matt Patterson)
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Julio Jones (2) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Sunday, Jan. 9, 2022, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Julio Jones (2) runs a pass route during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Sunday, Jan. 9, 2022, in Houston. (AP Photo/Matt Patterson)
