All-Pro WR Julio Jones discusses future with Falcons: 'I'm out of there'
At this point, it's probably safe to say Julio Jones will not be an Atlanta Falcon this season.
Fox Sports 1's Shannon Sharpe called the All-Pro wide receiver while on air Monday and asked Jones if he'd like to be traded to the Dallas Cowboys, or remain in Atlanta.
"I'm out of there, man," Jones said.
When Sharpe asked where he wanted to be traded, Jones replied, "right now, I want to win."
It's unclear if the star receiver knew he was on live television.
According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Jones requested a trade from the Falcons a few months ago and the team agreed to listen to offers.
According to Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer, the Falcons were seeking a first-round pick for Jones ahead of the 2021 NFL Draft. Breer also notes that the Falcons might be willing to trade Jones for a second-round pick.
Atlanta must clear cap space in order to sign its 2021 draft picks and Jones is available because of his guaranteed $15.3 million salary in 2021. Only 11 teams have $15.9 million or more in space to fit Jones under the cap, including the Jacksonville Jaguars, New York Jets, Cincinnati Bengals, Denver Broncos, Cleveland Browns, Washington Football Team, Indianapolis Colts, Los Angeles Chargers, Detroit Lions, San Francisco 49ers and New England Patriots.
The Patriots have been most heavily linked to Jones. According to NBC Sports Boston's Michael Holley, the veteran wideout would love to play with Cam Newton and Bill Belichick's squad has reportedly had internal discussions about a trade.
Jones has spent his entire 10-year career with the Falcons, so it's not a surprise he's looking for a fresh start, especially considering Atlanta's lack of success in the postseason.
The 32-year-old had 51 catches for 771 yards and three touchdowns in nine games last season. Before that, he recorded six consecutive seasons of 1,000-plus yards.
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