Will Julio Jones Get Released By The Buccaneers? Fantasy Football Outlook

February 8, 2023

Will Julio Jones get released by the Buccaneers? Is there another team that could sign Jones this offseason? Read the 2023 NFL free agency outlook.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers finished first in the NFC South with an 8-9 record, making the playoffs in a mediocre division. They lost to the Dallas Cowboys in the Wild Card round, 31-14.

The Buccaneers' offseason began with their starting quarterback Tom Brady announcing retirement, leaving third-string Kyle Trask as the only starting quarterback on the roster.

So, what will the Tampa Bay Buccaneers do this offseason? The starting quarterback is gone, and the offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich is gone, as is their wide receivers coach, offensive quality control coach, running backs coach, quarterbacks coach, and senior offensive assistant. It looks like a complete overhaul for the offense this offseason.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Offseason Situation

The Buccaneers are predicted to have one of the worst cap situations going into 2023, with -$55,714,949 under the salary cap.

The Buccaneers also have 26 players who will be unrestricted free agents this year. The offensive side includes wide receivers Mike Evans, Breshad Perriman, Scotty Miller, and Julio Jones. Chris Godwin is in the second year of his three-year contract.

The Buccaneers have seven picks in the 2023 NFL Draft, including the 19^th pick in the first round.

Julio Jones' Situation Heading into 2023

Due to injuries, Jones only played in 10 games this season. He averaged 4.3 targets per game on a 9.8% target share and a 47% snap share.

He averaged 12.5 yards per reception on 299 receiving yards in his 10 games. Jones finished the season with two touchdowns on 216 routes run. He averaged seven fantasy points per game.

Per Spotrac.com, last season, Jones signed a one-year contract that included a $1,085,000 signing bonus with $6 million guaranteed.

In 2023, the veteran will carry a cap hit of $3,456,235 and a dead cap value of $3,456,235.

The Buccaneers' salary cap situation is not good. They must acquire a starting quarterback and decide on 26 unrestricted free agents.

In addition to Jones, this list includes Evans. Evans played in 15 games this season. He averaged 8.5 targets per game on a 19.7% target share. On 578 routes, he had 1,124 receiving yards and six touchdowns (his lowest touchdown total in three seasons).

Will Jones Get Released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Offseason?

Jones's contract, though not cumbersome, can free up some cap space. Jones is 33 years old, and he has not played a full season in the last three years. Injuries have plagued the veteran, amounting to him playing in only 10 games this season.

The Buccaneers should release Jones to help with their salary cap. More productive players require their attention.

More Fantasy Football Analysis