After a decade as a member of the Atlanta Falcons, it seems like a forgone conclusion that Julio Jones will be sporting a new uniform in the 2021 season.
The 32 year old Jones is coming off an injury plagued 2020 season, and is scheduled to have a whopping $23 million cap hit in 2021, with a base salary of $15 million. In total Jones, has three-years left on his contract worth a total of $38 million.
As currently constructed, the Falcons are tight up against the salary cap, as they have less than $1 million left in cap space. With Calvin Ridley in the fold, a long with newly drafted tight end, Kyle Pitts, it’s logical to assume that the Falcons could look to move on from Julio Jones. The Falcons likely aren’t too keen on paying Jones that kind of money in his 30s. Especially when it’s clear that the team is re-tooling in a number of different areas. And, it feels like Julio Jones doesn’t really want to be there anyway.
Jones made that very clear, when Shannon Sharpe called him live today during Undisputed on FS1.
When asked about his future in Atlanta, Jones responded with. “I’m outta there.”
When Sharpe asked Jones where he would like to play, Jones responded with, "Right now I wanna win.”
Those comments alone make it sound like a virtual certainty that Julio Jones will be dealt to another team soon.
But, don’t expect Julio Jones to be traded before June 1st.
If the Falcons wait to trade him until after June 1st, they will save $15 million in cap room for the 2021 season. With the Falcons in cap jail, they’ll look to move on from him after that June 1st deadline.
What would a team be willing to give up to land Julio Jones?
I’d be surprised if the Falcons got a 1st-round pick in-return for Jones, I think it’s likely that they receive a 2nd-round pick. His age and contract situation are clear reasons why. I think the trade market for Jones will be a little more depressed than people think. With the cap going down this season, teams are stricken for cash, and I think teams could be concerned about his durability going into his 30s.
Here are some potential landing spots for Julio Jones:
San Francisco 49ers
This is one of the most logical landing spots because of the connection with Kyle Shanahan.
Shanahan was Jones’ offensive coordinator in 2015 and 2016. In 2015, Jones led the NFL in receptions (136), receiving yards (1,871), and yards per game (116.9).
The 49ers drafted their quarterback of the future in Trey Lance, and still have a roster that will compete for a playoff spot. Jones would lead a receiver group with excellent complementary pieces in Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk. Not to mention, George Kittle at the tight end position. An offense with Kittle and Jones would be a nightmare for opposing defenses, and would give the 49ers one of the most lethal offenses in the NFL.
New England Patriots
If Julio Jones were to be traded to the Patriots, it would be the cherry on top of a complete overhaul of an offseason.
Michael Holley of NBC Sports Boston reported that Jones wants to play with Cam Newton.
The Patriots are one of the few teams that have the salary cap space to fit Jones, and could certainly be in the market of adding another receiver. Despite the fact that they added Nelson Agholor, and Kendrick Bourne, adding Julio Jones to that core would bring the Patriots offense to a new level.
The Patriots love a good bargain, and if the compensation for Jones remains what it looks to be, they’ll be right in the thick of the conversation.
Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans should be in the market for another wide receiver. A core of AJ Brown and Julio Jones would give the Titans a real advantage in the passing game, and would catapult them as the favorites to come out of the AFC South.
I don’t think the Titans window to compete is as long as people think, and Jones would instantly take that offense into a real threat. Derrick Henry would benefit from the addition of Jones, and I think they would then join in as true contenders in the AFC.
However, the Titans are also cap stricken, so they would likely have to shed some salary, or restructure some contracts in some capacity if they want to land Jones.
I think this is a real landing spot, but the question is how, far will the Titans be willing to go? Derrick Henry isn’t getting any younger…
New York Jets
Despite the fact that the Jets added Corey Davis in free agency and Elijah Moore in the draft, wide receiver remains a big need on this team.
New Jets offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur comes from the Kyle Shanahan tree, and was actually an offensive assistant with the Falcons in 2015-2016. Jones knows the offense, and would get the opportunity to be the headliner for the new look New York Jets.
The Jets have the cap space, and it would help young Zach Wilson’s development.
Green Bay Packers
The Packers clearly want to patch things up with Aaron Rodgers. Acquiring Julio Jones to pair with Davante Adams would make it very difficult for Aaron Rodgers to say no to.
The Packers should do absolutely everything in their power to make this happen, as it could be a franchise altering deal.
The Packers are closing in on a reality of a quarterback room of Jordan Love and Blake Bortles in 2021. But, if they acquire Julio Jones, they could be looking at Aaron Rodgers agreeing to a contract extension/restructure.
The Packers may have one last swing at the plate to keep Rodgers, and acquiring Julio Jones is a realistic solution.
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts had a relatively quiet offseason, outside of acquiring Carson Wentz. I thought they would be more aggressive in free agency, but they sat out of most of the action.
The Colts resigned TY Hilton to a 1-year deal, but, Hilton’s play has noticeably declined in recent years. They drafted Michael Pittman in 2020, who looks like he can be impactful, but the Colts still are shy at the skill-player position.
The Colts will need to put up points this season, especially if they want to keep up with some of dynamic offenses in the AFC. Adding Jones to the mix would benefit Wentz, and would help the Colts offense immensely.
The Colts have the money and the cap space to make it work.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars have the most cap space in the NFL, and are poised to make a splash.
The Jaguars will need to surround quarterback Trevor Lawrence, and giving him someone like Julio Jones right out of the gate would benefit him, greatly.
DJ Chark has proven to be a nice find, but Jones will help him progress even further.
Urban Meyer wants to instill a culture in Jacksonville, Jones could be one of the main catalysts to lead it.