Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) runs with the ball as Minnesota Vikings during the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium.  Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Julio Jones trade could happen 'as early as next week'

The Falcons are currently exploring trade options for Julio Jones after the superstar wide receiver told Shannon Sharpe during a phone call that aired on "Undisputed" that he was done playing in Atlanta earlier this week. And according to ESPN's Dianna Russini, there's a belief around the league that the trade will end up happening sooner rather than later, as the Falcons have already begun having potential trade discussions with several teams.

"The Atlanta Falcons have discussed several trade offers for Julio Jones, including an offer for a future first-round draft pick, per sources," Russini tweeted. "There is a sense around the league a trade could go down as early as next week."

While this trade appears to be happening fast, don't expect it to get done this month due to the cap hit caused by Jones' contract. Any team that trades for Jones in May would be forced to absorb his $23.3 million cap hit but after June 1, it can be spread across multiple years.

The biggest remaining question is where Jones will end up getting traded. He has reportedly expressed interest in joining the Patriots or Titans, though Tennessee is reportedly considered a "long shot" to land Jones.

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