Patriots

Morning sports update: Mike Tannenbaum explained why a Julio Jones trade makes sense for the Patriots

"I think it makes a ton of sense, and it really puts a ribbon on a very aggressive offseason for the Patriots."

By Hayden Bird

May 14, 2021

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The Red Sox defeated the Athletics on Thursday, 8-1. Xander Bogaerts went 3-3 with a home run and three RBIs.

On Friday at 1 p.m., fourth-seeded Boston College women’s lacrosse hosts Fairfield in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

Also, the Connecticut Sun begin their new season at 7:30 p.m. against the Atlanta Dream.

And on Saturday, the puck drops on the Bruins-Capitals first round playoff series at 7:15 p.m.

Mike Tannenbaum’s view on Julio Jones and the Patriots: Former NFL executive Mike Tannenbaum was asked about potential trade destination for Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones during an ESPN segment on Friday morning.

Jones, 32, has been one of the best wide receivers in the NFL since being drafted sixth overall by Atlanta in 2011. But a report emerged in April from NFL insider Ian Rapoport that the Falcons might be willing to part with the veteran.

As a result, speculation around a possible Jones deal has continued. And Tannenbaum linked Jones with a team that’s been busy in the 2021 offseason: The Patriots.

“They signed Nelson Agholor, they signed Kendrick Bourne, but the Patriots will be in the playoff hunt. This could possibly put them over the top in winning the division,” Tannenbaum explained.

Longtime NFL writer Peter King wrote in April that a potential trade for Jones could involve a future second-round pick. In Tannenbaum’s view, it’s a deal that would make sense for New England’s 2021 position.

“They could use a frontline No. 1 receiver,” Tannenbaum said of the Patriots. “If Cam Newton’s going to have any chance of taking this team to the playoffs, Julio Jones would certainly help them get there.”

“Nick Saban and Belichick, obviously very close,” Tannenbaum added. “This is one of Nick Saban’s all-time favorite players. I think it makes a ton of sense, and it [would] really put a ribbon on a very aggressive offseason for the Patriots.”

Trivia: Julio Jones was the sixth pick of the 2011 NFL draft. Who did the Patriots select in the first round that year?

(Answer at the bottom).

Hint: Colorado.

More from Boston.com:

• Danny Ainge says the Celtics will make changes after a disappointing season. Here are some potential roster moves.
• Bogaerts, Dalbec homer, Red Sox roll to 8-1 win over A’s
• The 5 most interesting games on the Patriots’ 2021 schedule
• Tom Brady is already making jokes about his return to New England to play the Patriots
• Kevin Garnett’s prep-to-pros jump changed the NBA
• How Zdeno Chara’s familiarity with the Bruins may impact the Capitals series
• Zdeno Chara was Boston’s leader. As the Caps’ Cup pursuit begins, he must face his former team.
• Capitals not naming their starting goaltender ahead of playoff opener
• ‘Unfinished business’: After 3 straight trips to title game, BC lacrosse eager to take final step

Middle-in fastball against Xander Bogaerts aren’t a great idea:

Jaylen Brown’s injury rehab begins:

On this day: In 1965, Carl Yastrzemski went 5-5 with two home runs in a staggeringly impressive day that ended with him hitting for the cycle. Unfortunately for Boston, it wasn’t enough as the Red Sox still lost to the Tigers, 12-8.

Daily highlight: Red Sox prospect Jarren Duran absolutely crushed a 440-foot home run in a Worcester Red Sox win on Thursday.

Trivia answer: Nate Solder