Why did the Eagles sign Julio Jones? Philadelphia brings in veteran wide receiver as depth option

The Eagles have one of the best wide receiver duos in the league, but that doesn't mean the offense couldn't use a little depth. 

Philadelphia announced it has signed veteran wide receiver Julio Jones to a one-year deal. The seven-time Pro Bowl selection spent 10 years with the Falcons before playing a year with the Titans and a season with the Buccaneers. 

The signing gives the Eagles added depth at the wide receiver position behind stars A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. 

We've signed WR Julio Jones. pic.twitter.com/yMxM3tId9p

— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) October 17, 2023

Jones suited up in the 2022 season alongside Tom Brady in his final season in the NFL. The wide receiver played in 10 games last year for the Buccaneers, bringing in 24 catches for 299 yards and two touchdowns. 

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, he is being signed to the practice squad first, with the thought that he will eventually be elevated to the 53-man roster. 

The #Eagles are actually signing Julio Jones to their practice squad, source said, though expect a quick elevation and/or signing to the 53-man roster when he gets up to speed. Most signings this time of year start on the PS to manage rosters. This is another example.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 17, 2023

MORE: Eagles remain towards the top in latest NFL power rankings

Why did the Eagles sign Julio Jones?

The addition of Jones gives the Eagles some flexibility at the wide receiver position. Over the weekend, the team placed Quez Watkins on injured reserve with a hamstring injury. He has only played in two games so far this season, and is now going to miss at least the next four contests. 

There is also familiarity with Jones and a couple of offensive players on the Philadelphia staff. Jones played with Brown during his one year in Tennessee, and also played alongside wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus for two seasons in Atlanta.

Jones is far from the perennial Pro Bowler that he used to be — hence why he was unsigned and available in Week 7. He hasn't hit 1,000 receiving yards since 2019, thanks in part to injuries, and has been utilized more as a WR3/4 the last couple of seasons. 

At the very least, he's a cheap addition for the Eagles and likely won't be asked to do a ton, barring more injuries. 

How old is Julio Jones?

Jones is 34 years old. He will turn 35 on Feb. 8, 2024. 

It makes him one of the oldest members of the Eagles. Only center Jason Kelce (35) and defensive end Brandon Graham (35) are older. 

Julio Jones career stats

Jones used to be one of the most feared wide receivers in the league. With his athleticism and size, he was a machine for years with Atlanta, as he was Matt Ryan's go-to target during their prime years. He led all receivers in receptions in 2015, while also leading the league in receiving yards twice (2015, 2018). 

However, Father Time catches up to all, and Jones' production has plummeted year after year since hitting 30 years old. 

Eagles WR depth chart

As mentioned above, Jones is being signed to the Eagles' practice squad, so he will not be on the 53-man roster quite yet. However, depending on how quickly he gets up to speed, he could be added before Philadelphia's Week 7 game on Sunday night against Miami. 

Here is how the Eagles' wide receiver depth chart looks according to their website: