Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Julio Jones has been the topic of the week since it was revealed on FS1’s Undisputed with Shannon Sharpe that the wideout didn’t expect to return to the Atlanta Falcons. After a multitude of rumors and clarifications, there have been significant talks, and an offer may finally be on the table.
However, it likely isn’t from the San Francisco 49ers.
Atlanta’s asking price in Jones talks has been a first-round pick, which many teams seem unwilling to offer given Jones’ age and contract.
But, on Thursday morning, ESPN’s Dianna Russini reported that there is one offer out there that includes a first-round pick in return for Jones. While the offer’s particulars haven’t been released, it is almost certainly not from the 49ers, as they lack first-round picks over the next two years after their massive trade up to pick number three in April’s draft.
ESPN adds that “it is likely that Jones will not be traded until after June 1 because of the salary-cap benefits for the Falcons,” so it may be a few more days before any details of this potential trade come out. Still, with a first-round pick on the table, a few suitors, like the 49ers, may fall out of the Jones race.
The Atlanta Falcons have discussed several trade offers for Julio Jones, including an offer for a future first round draft pick, per sources.
There is a sense around the league a trade could go down as early as next week.
— Dianna Russini (@diannaESPN) May 27, 2021
With a lack of capital and a preference to develop talent through the draft, the 49ers have been slipping down the rankings of odds for obtaining the star receiver. Although, the former connection to coach Kyle Shanahan has made the pairing an intriguing thought.
Earlier this week, Ian Rapoport confirmed that Jones had asked Falcons management for a trade earlier this offseason, and the Falcons began listening to offers out of respect for their star wideout. While unknowingly being on live air with Sharpe certainly was a surprise, Jones’ statement likely doesn’t impact his trade value, as the word had been out for several months.
Despite the trade request, a player of Jones’ caliber has brought multiple potential suitors to the table, likely keeping his trade value intact.
With the June 1st date coming upon us, a trade involving Jones could be on the horizon, as the Falcons have yet to sign their draft class due to lack of cap space.
More San Francisco 49ers News
Julio Jones on returning to Atlanta: “I’m out of there”
By Rohan Chakravarthi
May 24, 2021
This morning, Shannon Sharpe called Julio Jones on FS1’s Undisputed after the receiver was seen in a Dallas Cowboys shirt. Sharpe asked Jones about his future in Atlanta, to which Julio Jones responded, “I’m out of there.”
When asked about a team that he would like to join, Jones stated his preference “to win” and cited that he “ain’t going to Dallas” and that he “never thought” about that possibility, either.
Julio Jones’ thoughts on the Falcons and Cowboys. pic.twitter.com/Y9tQDnw2dO— shannon sharpe (@ShannonSharpe)
‘Julio is on a different level’: 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan asked about Falcons’ Jones
By David Bonilla
May 18, 2021
The San Francisco 49ers acquired Marqise Lee on Monday after the veteran wide receiver did enough during a tryout over the weekend to impress the team. NFL trade rumors continue to surround another veteran wide receiver — Julio Jones of the Atlanta Falcons. The San Francisco 49ers haven’t been directly linked to Jones, but the team is almost always discussed as a potential landing spot whenever a talented player becomes (or potentially becomes) available.
Quarterback Matt Ryan doesn’t want to imagine what the Falcons offense might look like without his future Hall of Fame receiver.
“He’s probably impacted my career more significantly than any other player,” Ryan said this week
The Athletic lists 49ers among realistic trade partners for Julio Jones
By David Bonilla
May 20, 2021
Kyle Shanahan recently praised Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones during a conversation with Michael Irvin. The San Francisco 49ers head coach worked two seasons with Jones when he was the offensive coordinator in Atlanta.
“I mean, the dude is one-of-a-kind,” Shanahan said during the podcast interview. “He makes coaching a lot — a lot — easier. That’s why everyone feels the same about Julio. That’s why I don’t worry about saying that. That’s like common knowledge. Everyone knows Julio is on a different level. That’s why he’s a special guy.”
The 49ers are often linked to any high-profile player who might be available via trade. The team
Joe Staley wouldn’t mind seeing the 49ers add Julio Jones
By David Bonilla
May 21, 2021
It sounds like Joe Staley wouldn’t mind seeing Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones land with his former NFL team, the San Francisco 49ers. The former offensive tackle responded to a tweet from Bleacher Report that asked fans to comment on which team would be the most dangerous new destination for the future Hall of Fame wide receiver.
So, Staley commented.
“Kyle already knows exactly how to get him the ball,” the former offensive lineman wrote via Twitter.
I mean. Kyle already knows exactly how to get him the ball 😁😁