Odds: Patriots the current betting favorites to land Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones

One of the biggest stories in the NFL right now is the status of superstar wide receiver Julio Jones. The Atlanta Falcons, who find themselves in a challenging salary cap situation, appear to have put the 32-year-old on the trading block: Atlanta would save $15.3 million if parting ways with Jones after June 1st.

While it remains to be seen whether or not such a move will actually happen, the oddsmakers apparently feel good about New England’s chances of landing Jones via trade. According to SportsBetting.ag, the team is currently favored to land the seven-time Pro Bowler if he indeed gets dealt:

• New England Patriots: +150
• Tennessee Titans: +200
• Baltimore Ravens: +500
• San Francisco 49ers: +600
• Green Bay Packers: +750
• Dallas Cowboys: +800

Even though Jones is coming off an injury-riddled seasons there is no doubt that he is still among the best pass catchers in football. As such, he would obviously be a welcome addition to a Patriots wide receiver depth chart currently headed by offseason acquisitions Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne as well as youngsters Jakobi Meyers and N’Keal Harry.

Adding Jones to the mix would make the entire unit a better one, and give the team’s starting quarterback — either incumbent Cam Newton or first-round rookie Mac Jones — an elite weapon to work with.

Of course, the question is whether or not New England would be willing to send assets to the Falcons to acquire Jones. Given his hefty cap charge and Atlanta’s apparent willingness to sell, the Patriots might be able to get him on the cheap. That said, “the cheap” could still mean a Day 2 selection in next year’s draft. Would Bill Belichick and company be willing to invest that much for an expensive player on the wrong side of 30?

At least according to the bookmakers, the answer is yes.