The Falcons and Julio Jones, Atlanta’s all-time leader in both receiving yards and catches, are headed for a divorce, and according to one prominent reporter, the two could go their separate ways as soon as next week. Per ESPN’s Dianna Russini, the Falcons have been in talks with several teams about Jones with one interested suitor said to be offering a first-round pick.
The potential for a Jones trade has been rumored for some time—at present, Atlanta doesn’t even have enough cap space to sign its draft picks—though the 32-year-old’s comments to Shannon Sharpe earlier this week have no doubt fast-tracked negotiations as the Falcons look to move their prized receiver before things get ugly. One team that’s been in touch with Atlanta is the Tennessee Titans, who are looking for a receiver to pair with A.J. Brown following Corey Davis’ departure in free agency. While Russini confirms the Falcons and Titans have broached the subject of a Julio blockbuster, she regards Tennessee as a “long shot” to land the seven-time Pro Bowler.
Any Jones swap would likely have to wait until June 1st (next Tuesday), after which, teams can spread his exorbitant $23.05-million cap hit—highest in the league among wide receivers—over multiple seasons. Other teams could emerge as the Julio Sweepstakes intensify in the coming days, though the Colts, Patriots, Raiders and 49ers are thought to be the veteran’s most likely landing spots. In the event Jones is dealt, Calvin Ridley and first-round tight end Kyle Pitts would be left as Matt Ryan’s top receiving weapons in Atlanta under rookie head coach Arthur Smith.
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