Atlanta Falcons

The New England Patriots are the betting favorites to land Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones.

Per PointsBet (h/t Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk), the Pats top the ledger at +150 ($100 bet to win $150). The Tennessee Titans are right behind New England at +200.

The Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers are at +500, the Indianapolis Colts and Los Angeles Chargers are at +800, and the Baltimore Ravens and Jacksonville Jaguars sit at +900.

Jones' 10-year stint in Atlanta appears to be over soon based on this phone call that Shannon Sharpe of FS1's Undisputed made to the superstar wideout live on the air:

This is huge: Shannon Sharpe called Julio Jones live on @undisputed: Julio said he's "out of there" when asked if he wants to stay in Atlanta. He also said he doesn't want to go to the Cowboys. "I want to win."

Holy cow. I don't think he knew he was live. pic.twitter.com/5D8cXjclQt

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) May 24, 2021

Jones, who also made it clear that he wants to win, apparently did not know he was live, per ex-NFL player Pat McAfee report's on his show.

Per my media source.. Julio did NOT know he was LIVE #PatMcAfeeShowLIVE pic.twitter.com/ncOr73ae43

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) May 28, 2021

Jones has led the NFL in receiving yards per game three times.

NBC Sports' Chris Simms said on PFT Live (h/t Florio) that Jones has his sights set on the Pats and Titans.

If that's the case, the Pats have to combat a serious recruiting pitch from Titans star wide receiver A.J. Brown:

AJ Brown is taking recruiting Julio Jones to the next level 😂

(via @1kalwaysopen_)https://t.co/O1o9csRRVe

— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) May 26, 2021

Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders believes Jones should head to New England:

If I’m @juliojones_11 I’ve got to go to a winner which means a playoff team or a team that traditionally wins like @Patriots. I would be careful of going to a cold climate city when you’ve always played in a dome. That matters tremendously. I’m helping u narrow it down. #Truth

— COACH PRIME (@DeionSanders) May 27, 2021

Regardless of where Jones winds up, his future team is getting one of the top playmakers in the game when healthy. His accoldades include seven Pro Bowls and two All-Pro bids. It does not include a Super Bowl victory, but Jones is clearly looking for one to add another laurel to his Hall of Fame resume.

For all the latest betting information and reaction, check out B/R Betting.

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The clock is ticking, and Julio Jones' time with the Atlanta Falcons appears to be coming to an end. Where will he land, and how much will the Falcons receive in return? 

The market for the wide receiver should heat up in the coming days as we reach June 1, when Atlanta can save $15.3 million by trading the seven-time Pro Bowl selection. 

Just in the last few days, the price seemingly escalated for Jones' services. 

Initially, NBC Sports' Peter King estimated the wide receiver's price tag would be around a second-round selection. ESPN's Jeff Darlington echoed King's price point with a second- or even third-round return. At least one team has discussed the possibility of flipping a first-round pick to acquire Jones, according to ESPN's Dianna Russini. 

A confluence of factors limits Jones' overall value. 

First, new general manager Terry Fontenot continues to dig the franchise out of salary-cap hell. Currently, the Falcons have $1.6 million in available space, per Spotrac. Even at the newly agreed-upon salary-cap ceiling next season—$208.2 million from this year's $182.5 million—which will be dependent on this year's total revenue, the Falcons will be in a crunch as one of the 10 franchises with the least financial flexibility.

A Jones trade doesn't just create more cap space now. The team can also roll over what it doesn't use into next year's number on top of Jones no longer being on the roster.

Second, the Falcons have had the two-time receiving yardage leader on the trade block for some time. Discussions likely started long before April's draft.

Teams are well aware of the sense of urgency in Atlanta's front office and won't hesitate to exploit that to get a deal done in their favor.

Third, injuries are an issue. The 32-year-old missed seven games last season primarily because of a lingering hamstring issue.

"People still have to pay attention to him," a pro scouting director told Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer. "But the last couple years, when he's not healthy, you're limited with what he can do within the offense since there are certain routes he can't run. That limits where they line him up, and some coordinators are smart enough to figure out what he can and can't run."

Also, Jones wants out of Atlanta and hasn't kept his intentions secret.

On top of everything, a trade this late in the offseason could limit potential suitors, though almost every squad should look into landing the wide receiver. 

Atlanta won't have significant leverage in potential talks. The best the Falcons can hope for is a bidding war to ensure a solid return for one of the league's biggest names and the room to breathe the organization desperately needs from a financial perspective.

Jones reportedly identified two teams of interest, while two others stand out on account of their salary-cap standing and potential to win this fall. What each should be willing to offer varies, though. 

          

New England Patriots

Of all the teams that should show interest in Jones, the Patriots have the most going in their favor.

New England is one of two preferred landing spots mentioned by NBC Sports' Chris Simms. 

Interestingly, Cam Newton—not former Alabama quarterback and 2021 first-round pick Mac Jones—is a significant selling point.

"You know who [Jones] really wants to play with? ... He wants to play with Cam Newton. He likes Cam," NBC Sports Boston's Michael Holley said. "That's the other thing: He thinks [Falcons quarterback] Matt Ryan has lost a little zing on his deep ball."

A Newton partnership may be enticing, but Jones is no slouch, especially as a vertical passer. This year's 15th overall pick posted the third-best downfield passing grade over the last two seasons, according to Pro Football Focus' Andrew Erickson. Even if the 2015 league MVP isn't in the lineup, the move to the rookie shouldn't be viewed as a non-starter. 

Despite the Patriots' huge splash in free agency, the team still has plenty of wiggle room, too. Currently, New England has the seventh-most cap space at a projected $20.6 million. The franchise can put the bow on top of an already impressive offseason with Jones' acquisition. The 10-year veteran would give the Patriots lineup a true X-receiver to play alongside the free-agent additions of Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne.

Bill Belichick and Co. have a long track record of winning. That's what Jones wants, among other things. With an elite wide receiver added to the mix, the Patriots should be well on their way toward reentering the playoff picture. 

Trade Package: Patriots trade 2022 second- and fourth-round picks to the Falcons for Jones.

          

San Francisco 49ers

Familiarity often becomes a strong selling point, and the 49ers coaching staff knows Jones well. 

Head coach Kyle Shanahan previously served as the Falcons offensive coordinator, of course. Offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel spent two seasons as Shanahan's offensive assistant in Atlanta. 

"Anyone I've coached in the past that I have relationships with, especially a great dude like Julio, obviously I have a ton of respect for," Shanahan told reporters when asked about the possibility of a trade. 

"We're always interested in improving our team. We'll never just say, 'Hey, we're done, we can't improve our team.' You always try to try to make that happen."

The 49ers don't have to be done. Like the Patriots, San Francisco has enough financial wiggle room to take on Jones' contract as it currently stands. 

One can't help but imagine what Jones could do upon returning to Shanahan's offensive scheme. The wide receiver's best season came under the coach's direction. Granted, Jones is older with some limitations due to previous injuries. No one is better than Shanahan at crafting an offensive scheme around his available talent. 

But San Francisco doesn't have the number of trade assets other teams do after swinging the deal to draft quarterback Trey Lance. As a result, the 49ers don't own next year's first- or original third-round picks.

Trade Package: 49ers trade 2022 second-round and 2023 fourth-round draft picks to the Falcons for Jones. 

           

Indianapolis Colts

For the Colts to enter the fray, they have to find a workaround for the Carson Wentz trade.

In order to land the team's new starting quarterback, general manager Chris Ballard traded a conditional 2022 second-round pick. The selection will become a first-round pick if Wentz A) plays at least 75 percent of the Colts' offensive snaps or B) plays 70 percent of those snaps and Indianapolis makes the postseason. 

Odds are that the Philadelphia Eagles will land the Colts' first-round selection, but it's not a given.

As such, a potential trade package for Jones will have to be creative. The move could be well worth the effort.

Right now, the AFC South is there for the taking. Last season, the Colts and Tennessee Titans (more on them in a moment) finished with 11-5 records and split their season series. Tennessee won the division based on a slightly better conference record.

However, the Colts addressed their three biggest needs this offseason with Wentz's acquisition, Eric Fisher's signing to replace Anthony Castonzo at left tackle and Kwity Paye's selection in this year's first round to provide an edge presence.

Indianapolis is solid at wide receiver, but Jones would provide something different. He's a faster downfield threat than Michael Pittman Jr., whereas T.Y. Hilton and Zach Pascal are better at working off the line or in the slot.

Jones would give Wentz a true No. 1 wide receiver for the first time in the quarterback's career.

Trade Package: Colts trade 2022 third-round pick and a 2023 second-round pick to the Falcons for Jones.

          

Tennessee Titans

The Titans have a lot of work to do if they want to land Jones and gain a definitive advantage in the AFC South.

Despite being the other team Jones prefers, Tennessee doesn't have the financial means to take on the receiver's contract. The franchise has less than $4 million in available cap space.

Technically, general manager Jon Robinson could swing a deal and immediately rework Jones' contract, thus making the move feasible. Contract renegotiations with other individuals already on the team could happen as well. The salary cap is an obstacle but is not an insurmountable one.

Jones would immediately step in and cover a significant portion of the 157 targets Tennessee lost with Corey Davis' and Jonnu Smith's free-agent departures. A.J. Brown, who led the team in receiving yardage last season, certainly wouldn't be upset about adding a target of Jones' caliber since the Pro Bowler was on social media opining about the possibility.

Tennessee's offense is built to push the ball downfield. Jones would immediately add another facet to a unit that already has punishing running back Derrick Henry, Brown's ability to create after the catch and Ryan Tannehill's effective deep ball.

Unsurprisingly, the Titans have been active in trying to woo the Falcons. But Russini reported Tennessee is "a long shot" to acquire Jones.

How about a Hail Mary? Maybe the Titans are the team that finally caves and gives up a coveted first-round selection, since Tennessee will likely be selecting in the back half of the frame anyhow. They should be willing to take the risk if they hope to usurp the Kansas City Chiefs' standing as the AFC's best squad.

Trade Package: Titans trade a 2022 first-round pick to the Falcons for Jones. 

            

Brent Sobleski covers the NFL for Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter, @brentsobleski.

Julio Jones' request to be traded could be granted very soon.

Per ESPN's Dianna Russini, the Atlanta Falcons have discussed "several" offers, including one involving a future first-round pick, and the "sense" from people around the NFL is a deal could happen "as early as next week."

Russini added the Tennessee Titans have talked with Atlanta about Jones, but right now that's considered "a long shot."

Jones made headlines this week when he told Shannon Sharpe on FS1's Undisputed that he's "outta there" when asked about his future with the Falcons:

Julio Jones’ thoughts on the Falcons and Cowboys. pic.twitter.com/Y9tQDnw2dO

— shannon sharpe (@ShannonSharpe) May 24, 2021

Even though it's unclear whether Jones knew he was on live television at the time, those comments set off a firestorm.

Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Jones went to Atlanta's front office with a trade request "a few months ago" and the team agreed to listen to any potential offers.

Running back Derrick Henry wrote the following:

TITAN TF UP ⚔️ https://t.co/LOuqC2mH70

— Derrick Henry  (@KingHenry_2) May 20, 2021

And teammate A.J. Brown, among others, pledged his support.

Per Jeff Schultz of The Athletic, the list of teams that could fit Jones into the salary cap this season includes the Baltimore Ravens, San Francisco 49ers, New England Patriots, Indianapolis Colts and Los Angeles Chargers.

Schultz noted the Titans "may show interest, but they also are close to the cap ceiling."

Jones' base salary in 2021 is $15.3 million, and a post-June 1 trade would be most beneficial for the Falcons. His dead cap number would go from $40.55 million to $7.75 million this season and $15.5 million next season if he's dealt after next Tuesday.

A seven-time Pro Bowler, Jones remains one of the most productive wide receivers in the NFL. He's averaged at least 85.7 yards per game in each of the past eight seasons and had 771 yards in just nine games last year. 

A.J. Brown wants to run routes alongside Julio Jones next season, and he's taking to TikTok to make his case.

"The GOAT of our era, of our receivers," Brown said in his pitch while highlighting how dangerous the Tennessee Titans would be with the addition of Jones. "Help me help you. Come home, Julio. Come home."

https://twitter.com/1kalwaysopen_/status/1397668353972580359

It seems as if Jones may be done on the Atlanta Falcons.

Undisputed's Shannon Sharpe called the wide receiver during Monday's show and asked him if he wanted to be traded, and Jones responded, "I'm out of there."

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the Falcons asked for a first-round pick in return for the seven-time Pro Bowler, but may around the league do not think they will get that much in a trade.

As for the Titans, they made the playoffs the last two seasons and were 11-5 in 2020. Adding Jones to an offense that already features Brown and Derrick Henry would be a nightmare for opposing defenses, as they could not afford to stack the box to deal with the rushing attack or leave those receivers on an island.

The impromptu phone call between former NFL tight end Shannon Sharpe and Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones on Fox Sports' Undisputed on Monday has reportedly created a "massive stink bomb" of frustration between the league and one of its main broadcast partners.

Michael McCarthy and A.J. Perez of Front Office Sports reported Tuesday the Falcons were "blindsided" by Jones' appearance on the show, and the receiver's Creative Artists Agency representatives have contacted Fox about the broadcast of the interview.

"It's become a huge deal," a source told McCarthy and Perez.

One of the unknown factors is whether Jones—who said "I'm out of there, man" when asked by Sharpe about his future with the Falcons—knew he was live on television when making his comments.

The situation could have potentially lasting ramifications for Sharpe and Fox Sports, per Front Office Sports. Most notably, Sharpe could face a misdemeanor criminal charge if he aired the interview without Jones giving consent to do so. It carries a possible $2,000 fine and up to one year in jail.

"It meets every criteria under the penal code," California-based attorney Dod Ghassemkhani said. "It will come down to if Jones wants to pursue it. I doubt he will."

Meanwhile, the Falcons and other teams could give Fox "less access and cooperation," while the network could end up in the NFL's "doghouse," per McCarthy and Perez.

Front Office Sports sources also questioned why the show's producers didn't cut off the interview or break for commercial to clear everything with Jones.

"This is on the production team. The producers have to do their job," a source said. "Their job is to protect Shannon and Skip [Bayless]. When something like this happens, you go to a commercial and figure it out—before they get in trouble."

Jones had already become the focus of trade rumors before the interview, but it's unlikely he'll be moved until after June 1 because of the dead-cap ramifications of his three-year, $66 million contract. Before June 1, a deal would leave $23.25 million on the Falcons' 2021 cap. It drops to $7.75 million next month, with the rest of the money shifted to 2022.

NBC Sports' Chris Simms reported Tuesday on PFT Live the seven-time Pro Bowl wideout is interested in the New England Patriots and Tennessee Titans, though it's uncertain if those teams are actively pursuing a deal ahead of the 2021 campaign.

Jones has been one of the best playmakers in football since the Falcons selected him with the sixth overall pick in the 2011 draft. He's recorded 848 catches for 12,896 yards with 60 touchdowns in 135 games across 10 years with the franchise.

Most indications suggest he'll likely be suiting up for a new team before the season kicks off in September, though.

Fox Sports' Shannon Sharpe may have landed one of the scoops of the offseason by calling up Atlanta Falcons wideout Julio Jones on live TV to ask if he's seeking a trade, but the fallout is only beginning to reveal itself. 

According to Michael McCarthy and A.J. Perez of Front Office Sports, the Falcons were "blindsided" by Sharpe's stunt during Monday's episode of Undisputed as well as Jones' response—though it remains unclear if the receiver knew the call was airing on live TV. 

Not only did sources tell FSO the interview has "undercut" their negotiating position in potential trades for Jones, but Fox—one of the league's broadcast partners—could face consequences from the league when it comes to future media access. 

“The Falcons are not going to be happy with this—and they will express their angst to the NFL,” former Green Bay Packers vice president Andrew Brandt told FSO. “Payback’s too strong a word. But they will hope for some kind of stroke down the road.”

If Jones was indeed unaware his call was being recorded and played on TV, he could have legal recourse. Undisputed is taped in Los Angeles, California, which requires two-party consent before recording phone calls, but the most the state could punish Sharpe with is a $2,000 fine and/or a year in jail—however unlikely that scenario may be. 

A local criminal defense attorney told FSO he doubts Jones will pursue that route. 

“It was creative and organic," one source told FSO, "But it was unprofessional as well. You have to tell someone they’re on TV. And not just at the end of the segment to cover your ass.”

As for the Falcons, trading their No. 1 wideout just became significantly more difficult. Not only has Jones made clear he wishes to play for a winner, but he's ruled out playing for the Dallas Cowboys, which expects to contend in the NFC East. 

However another agent told FSO the stunt may have only helped move along trade talks for Jones across the league. 

“He’s a world-class talent regardless of age, health and contract,” the agent said. “If I’m a team like Green Bay, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Buffalo, Tennessee, Baltimore or Seattle, I’m sending whatever picks I have to Atlanta to get him.”

Julio Jones' desire to move on from the Atlanta Falcons reportedly stems from more than the team's salary-cap situation, according to Tori McElhaney and Jeff Schultz of The Athletic. 

The pair reported that the team "could make it work" if they wanted to keep Jones around for an 11th season, but there is frustration that stems from negotiations in 2019. 

Jones appeared on "Undisputed" on Monday and said that he wants "out of there," and Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated said the wide receiver initially requested a trade back in March.  

Jones, who had been prepared to sit out training camp, ended up inking a three-year, $66 million extension prior to the 2019 campaign. According to The Athletic, neither side was pleased with the 2019 negotiation. 

Falcons brass has changed over since those talks, but Jones apparently is willing to take out his frustration on new general manager Terry Fontenot and head coach Arthur Smith. The team has not publicly responded to Jones' comments, other than to acknowledge he has access to the team's playbook and OTA schedules. 

The Falcons need to clear salary-cap space, and Jones is due $15.3 million in base salary in 2021. If he is traded before June 1, he counts for $23.25 million against the cap and puts the Falcons $200,000 on the other side of the cap. However, a post-June 1 trade would save them his salary rate, per Spotrac. 

The 32-year-old is a valuable pickup for any team, with seven Pro Bowl nods during his 10 years in the league. He averages 95.5 receiving yards per game, the most in NFL history. 

Jones is reportedly eyeing the New England Patriots or Tennessee Titans, according to Chris Simms of Pro Football Talk. 

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan is looking to focus on the task at hand despite star receiver Julio Jones' being mentioned in trade rumors.

After Jones told Shannon Sharpe he's "out of there" on Monday's episode of Undisputed in reference to the Falcons, Ryan discussed the situation on The Athletic Football Show (h/t The Athletic):

The reality is because of his level of success he's had in his career, this is a major story. But within your locker room, this is constantly happening to guys where you're not sure how long they're going to be there. 

... It's difficult. It's the part of the job that sucks, but you have to just stay in pocket of focusing on we're all here right now, and we all got to focus on what we're going to do together right now.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported Jones asked for a trade a few months ago and the team agreed to listen to offers.

The Falcons would save $15.3 million against the 2021 cap by trading Jones after June 1, per Spotrac, and there would likely be significant demand around the league by that point.

The 32-year-old has earned seven Pro Bowl selections in 10 years, tallying at least 1,300 receiving yards in six of the last seven seasons. His 95.5 receiving yards per game are by far the most in league history.

Jones has also been Ryan's go-to option for much of the past decade, helping the quarterback win the MVP award in 2016 on the way to a Super Bowl appearance.

"I hope he's here. He's been such an awesome teammate," Ryan said of Jones, per Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated. "Really, and I;ve said this before, I don't think anybody has impacted my career as significantly as him. I've been very fortunate to ride along with him for 10 years."

Atlanta would still have exciting weapons even without Jones—including Calvin Ridley and first-round pick Kyle Pitts—giving Ryan plenty to work with in 2021.

Julio Jones is reportedly targeting the New England Patriots or Tennessee Titans as he attempts to force himself out of Atlanta, Chris Simms said Tuesday on PFT Live.

It's unclear if the Patriots or Titans reciprocate those feelings, though both stand out as obvious potential destinations for the future Hall of Famer. Jones told Shannon Sharpe he was "out of here" when asked about his future with Atlanta during Monday's episode of Undisputed.

Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated reported Jones first approached the Falcons about trading him in March. Jones told Sharpe his main desire in finding a new NFL home is winning. The Falcons are coming off a 4-12 campaign and have not made the playoffs since 2017.

Atlanta has been floating Jones' name on the trade market since his request but has seemingly found no buyer willing to meet its asking price. Breer noted the Falcons set a first-round price on Jones before the 2021 NFL draft.

A first-round pick seems like a reasonable ask for a player of Jones' caliber. The seven-time Pro Bowler missed seven games in 2020 but remained highly productive when he was on the field, compiling 51 receptions for 771 yards and three touchdowns. His 75 percent catch rate was a career high, and Pro Football Focus gave him an 86.3 overall grade for the season.

Jones' $15.3 million salary is an issue for teams that lack salary-cap maneuverability, but it's slightly below market for a top-10 receiver. The Titans would need to create $11.7 million in space to fit Jones under the cap, whereas the Patriots would not have to restructure any deals to bring him in.

While New England has been active all offseason, the WR1 spot remains lacking on the depth chart. If Bill Belichick wants to cap off his all-in offseason, adding Jones seems like a strong fit. 

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones reportedly requested a trade from the team "a few months ago," according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. 

The team "agreed to listen to offers," but it doesn't guarantee he will be dealt.

This report comes after Jones told Undisputed on Monday that he is leaving Atlanta:

“Nah. I’m out of there, man.”

Julio Jones tells Shannon Sharpe he’s leaving ATL and doesn’t want to go to Dallas because he wants to go somewhere he can win. 😳 @brgridiron

(via @undisputed) pic.twitter.com/5dFYYVWIiZ

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 24, 2021

The wideout has three years remaining on his deal, and Atlanta will owe $23.3 million in dead cap if it trades him before June 1, per Spotrac. The 2021 cap hit drops to $7.8 million if he is dealt after June 1.

Atlanta is coming off a 4-12 season and already has a reliable replacement at receiver in Calvin Ridley. First-round pick Kyle Pitts should also be a huge addition to the passing attack.

That could allow the Falcons to deal Jones for future assets while still remaining competitive offensively. The team finished fifth in the NFL in passing yards in 2020 even though Jones missed seven games because of a hamstring injury.

There should still be plenty of interest in Jones, who is one of the top receivers of his era.

The 32-year-old has earned seven Pro Bowl selections in 10 years and was twice named a first-team All-Pro. He had at least 80 catches and 1,300 receiving yards in six straight seasons from 2014 to '19 until being limited in 2020, although he still finished with 51 catches for 771 yards and three touchdowns.

His career average of 95.5 receiving yards per game is also easily the most in NFL history.

The New England Patriots have reportedly held "internal discussions" about acquiring Jones, per Mike Giardi of NFL Network. The Baltimore Ravens also asked about the receiver before the draft, but talks didn't get far, per Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic.