Julio Jones is reportedly on the trade block.
According to Jeff Schultz of The Athletic, the "Falcons would like to" move Jones, owing largely to the fact that Atlanta only has $588,018 in cap space. Jones has a cap hit of $23,050,000 in the season to come.
Schultz identified five clubs — the Ravens, 49ers (hello!), Patriots, Colts and Chargers — as possible landing spots, while noting that the Titans could also be in the mix if they can get their finances right.
Incidentally, Audacy Sports has already broken down four of the potential fits...
New England Patriots
Getty ImagesIt's no secret the Patriots receiving corps is lacking. And while New England made some additions in Kendrick Bourne and Nelson Agholor, as well as tight ends Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith, none of those guys can have the impact like Jones.
NBC Sports' Peter King mentioned the Patriots as a possibility back in April, adding that the cost for Jones would likely be a future pick, probably at least a 2022 second rounder.
Based on the busy offseason the Patriots have had, Bill Belichick clearly wants to be back atop the AFC East and what better way to get there than to add a star like Julio Jones to the team? It could especially be helpful should rookie quarterback Mac Jones become the starter at any point this season.
Los Angeles Chargers
Getty ImagesThe Los Angeles Chargers were among the teams listed in Jeff Schultz's recent report on Julio Jones.
The Chargers have the cap space to take on Jones' contract and they could be a great fit for Jones. He would be joining a receiving corps. of Keenan Allen and Mike Williams with Justin Herbert under center, which would make them an even more dangerous offense than they already are.
By pairing Jones with those two receivers, he would not necessarily have to be relied upon as the guy in LA and can bring a strong veteran presence to the offense.
San Francisco 49ers
Getty ImagesCould Jones possibly reunite with Kyle Shanahan in San Francisco?
Jones had some of the best seasons — two All-Pro years — of his career with Shanahan as his offensive coordinator in Atlanta and bringing the 32-year-old veteran onto the 49ers would certainly be enticing.
The 49ers, per overthecap.com, have $17.6 million in cap space. Any team that trades for Jones would be absorbing at least $15 million. So, they do have the space.
Adding Jones in addition to Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk would give San Francisco one of the most dangerous receiving corps in the game, so the Niners are certainly a team worth keeping an eye on.
Tennessee Titans
Getty ImagesThe Titans are a team in need of another wide receiver after losing Corey Davis in free agency as well as tight end Jonnu Smith. While A.J. Brown has certainly proven capable of being a No. 1 receiver with back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, the team is lacking in any receiver depth behind him.
Jones would be able to complement Brown as a big-bodied target for Ryan Tannehill, especially on third-down and red-zone situations, and also force defenses to still respect the passing game, which is critical as the Titans offense goes through Derrick Henry in the backfield.
The Titans have been reported as a team that "may show interest," but they could have some difficulty in making a deal for Jones work as they have limited cap space.
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