Julio Jones done with Falcons: 'I'm outta there'
Julio Jones' time with the Atlanta Falcons could be coming to a close.
Shannon Sharpe called the star wide receiver during Monday's episode of "Undisputed" and asked if he wants to stay in Atlanta or join the Dallas Cowboys.
"I'm outta there, man," said Jones.
When Sharpe asked where he wants to go, Jones said, "I wanna win."
Julio Jones’ thoughts on the Falcons and Cowboys. pic.twitter.com/Y9tQDnw2dO
— shannon sharpe (@ShannonSharpe) May 24, 2021
Jones has been the subject of rampant trade speculation. The Falcons don't have enough cap space to sign their rookie class and have reportedly been taking calls on the All-Pro receiver as a way to create financial flexibility.
While the assumption has been that Atlanta was driving the potential parting, Jones actually put in a trade request a few months ago, sources told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. The NFC South club reportedly agreed to listen to offers.
The Falcons have asked teams inquiring about Jones for a first-round pick in return, but people around the league don't believe the club will ultimately be able to find a partner willing to meet its asking price, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.
A trade can't happen before June 1 for cap reasons. Atlanta would gain $15.3 million in space by moving Jones, who was limited to just nine games in 2020 due to a hamstring injury.
The 32-year-old is contracted for another three seasons. The team that trades for the veteran would owe him $38.3 million over that time.
The New England Patriots have reportedly internally discussed acquiring Jones.
Jones has been one of the NFL's most productive wideouts over his 10-year career in Atlanta, leading the league in receiving yardage in 2015 and 2018.