Report: Falcons receiving trade calls for Julio Jones

The Atlanta Falcons have received calls from teams inquiring about star receiver Julio Jones, sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

A Jones trade can't occur before June 1 due to salary-cap reasons, Rapoport adds. Parting ways with the wideout following June 1 would allow Atlanta to spread his remaining bonus money over two campaigns.

It was reported earlier this offseason that the Falcons intend to retain the 32-year-old wideout for 2021. The club was apparently eager to see how Jones and quarterback Matt Ryan would fare under new head coach Arthur Smith.

Jones has been one of the NFL's most dominant receivers since being drafted in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft. He's recorded 12,896 receiving yards and had a streak of six consecutive seasons with 1,300-plus yards from 2014 to 2019.

A seven-time Pro Bowler, Jones saw a drop in production in 2020 as he dealt with injuries. He appeared in nine games and put up just 771 receiving yards and three touchdowns.