Julio Jones Returns to NFL by Uniting With Former Alabama Quarterback

Former Alabama wide receiver is making an NFL comeback by signing with the defending NFC champions.

The Philadelphia Eagles are adding another player to its roster with Crimson Tide connections.

According to multiple reports, and the Philadelphia Eagles themselves, former Alabama wide receiver Julio Jones is returning to the National Football League on a one-year contract. 

The Eagles are adding Jones after placing receiver Quez Watkins on the injured reserve. 

Jones joins former Alabama quarterback Jalen Hurts, lineman Landon Dickerson and Tyler Steen, cornerbacks Josh Jobe and Eli Ricks and Heisman trophy winning receiver DeVonta Smith as Eagles who played for the Crimson Tide.

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

— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) October 17, 2023

The 2009 national champion was a first round draft pick by the Atlanta Falcons in 2011 and has played for the Tennessee Titans and most recently for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

He boasts 13,629 career receiving yards, the most of any active player in the NFL. Jones is a seven-time Pro Bowler, a five-time All-Pro and helped the Falcons make Super Bowl LI.

The Philadelphia Eagles are currently 5-1 and lead the NFC East by one game over the Dallas Cowboys. He'll also join former Tennessee Titans teammate A.J. Brown, who's currently leading the Eagles in receiving with 42 receptions for 672 yards.

The Eagles next game is on Sunday, Oct. 22 against the Miami Dolphins and then they'll play against the the Washington Commanders in the final weekend of October. Both franchises have a number of former Alabama players.

It remains to be seen how much Jones will be used as he last played in Week 16 of 2022. He appeared in 10 games last year for the Buccaneers, hauling in 24 receptions for 299 yards and two touchdowns. 

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