Falcons reveal what they want in potential Julio Jones trade

To move Julio Jones, the Atlanta Falcons would like at least one Day 2 selection in return.

Outside of the potential Aaron Rodgers trade, the Atlanta Falcons will be the subject of trade rumors with their star player as well. By now, it’s well known that Atlanta would be willing to part ways with wide receiver Julio Jones.

Although the 32-year-old has not been the All-Pro talent of yesterday, there’s no denying his presence on the field is warranted. Last season in nine games, he recorded 51 catches for 771 yards and three touchdowns. The six seasons before? Over 1,000-plus yards each year and only four missed starts.

The question comes down to pricing for Atlanta and what they would want in return. According Albert Breer of The MMQB, prior to the draft, new Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot wanted a first-round pick for the aging pass-catcher.

However, the asking price could be sliding to a second-round pick as we approach June.

Falcons: Would anyone pay that price for Julio Jones?

According to Over The Cap, the Falcons are just one of three teams under $1 million in salary cap space prior to June 1, coming in a $410,351. Should Jones be traded or released, that would free up $15 million for 2021. Jones is currently due $15.3 million for the upcoming season.

Trading Jones now would benefit the Falcons’ cap, but there’s still reason to believe they could contend for wild card spot if he remains in town.

Atlanta’s offense could be putting up ridiculous numbers if the veteran target could be healthy for a full 17-game season. The team already perhaps the top No. 2 weapon in Calvin Ridley, a quality tight end in Hayden Hurst and do-it-all rookie Kyle Pitts to elevate Matt Ryan’s game.

For a first-round pick in 2022? Jones would likely be moved. For a second or say a third plus a fourth-round option? Fontenot might find it best to run it back one more season under new head coach Arthur Smith.

The market is available for Jones to be shipped. Multiple reports have indicated the New England Patriots have had internal conversations on acquiring him. The Athletic’s Jeff Schultz reported that six teams are interested in discussing further of his status.

Pricing matters for a rebuilding team. That will be a conversation Atlanta’s front office will have for the next week before the season officially begins.