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.
From Monday: #Falcons star WR Julio Jones requested a trade, the team agreed to consider it and here we are. All the Jones info here https://t.co/2P4KhNYqXG
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 25, 2021
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.