Falcons receiving calls about trade for Julio Jones?

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

Falcons receiving calls about trade for All-Pro WR Julio Jones?

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 4/26/21

Julio Jones could be on the move this offseason.

According to Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer, the Atlanta Falcons are receiving calls about a trade for the All-Pro wide receiver. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport adds that a deal cannot happen before June 1 because of the Falcons' cap constraints.

The #Falcons have received calls from teams inquiring about possible trades for All-Pro WR Julio Jones, sources say. A trade could not happen for cap reasons before June 1, but teams know Atlanta’s brutal cap situation and are calling. A deal won’t happen now, but later? Maybe.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 26, 2021

Peter King of NBC Sports mentioned the Las Vegas Raiders, New England Patriots, Baltimore Ravens and Tennessee Titans as potential suitors.

Moving on from Jones after June 1 would save the Falcons $15.3 million on their 2021 cap. Trading him would really only make sense for Atlanta if the team is going to begin a rebuild.

Jones has spent his entire career with the Falcons and caught 51 passes for 771 yards and three touchdowns in nine games last season. His injury struggles in 2020 allowed Calvin Ridley to step in and prove himself as a valuable top wide receiver.

Jones turned 32 in February and if the Falcons rebuild, keeping a younger Ridley makes much more sense.

Erin Walsh is a Boston sports fan through and through. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Bridgewater State University and currently is in pursuit of her Master's Degree in Journalism from Northeastern University. Follow her on Twitter @ewalsh90.

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