Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer reports the Falcons would "probably" trade Julio Jones for a second round draft pick "at this point."
Atlanta, looking to offload Jones' guaranteed money for the coming years, asked for a first rounder in exchange for Jones before the NFL Draft. That proved too pricey for teams interested in acquiring the all-time Falcons great, who missed most of the 2020 season with hamstring issues. Only the Jaguars, Jets, Broncos, Bengals, Lions, Browns, Chargers, and 49ers have enough salary cap space to absorb Julio's guaranteed $15.3 million 2021 salary without moving money around. Jones, 32, reportedly has interest in playing with Cam Newton in New England. He would instantly become the focal point of the Patriots' low-volume passing offense and his absence in Atlanta would presumably open up more targets for Calvin Ridley, Kyle Pitts, and Russell Gage. A Jones trade in the coming weeks could make Pitts the second highest drafted tight end in seasonal leagues, behind Travis Kelce.