The Atlanta Falcons are almost certainly moving on without All-Pro receiver Julio Jones, but don’t expect the deal to happen on June 2 just because it can. It’s been over a month since it was announced that Jones was on the trading block and despite that being more than enough time to work out the parameters of a trade, the team has a little bit of breathing room.
The main reason Jones’ time with the Falcons is coming to an end is because the team needs the money to sign its 2021 draft class. However, as explained by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport on Tuesday, Atlanta doesn’t technically have to have its rookie class signed until late July when training camp starts.
From @NFLTotalAccess: Post-June 1 means the beginning of the road for the #Falcons on a potential Julio Jones trade, not the end. A look at where it all stands… pic.twitter.com/1w0Df9CEJV
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 1, 2021
It’s been reported that the Falcons are seeking a first-round pick for Jones, although many believe the team will settle for a firm second-rounder. Obviously, it would be best for all parties to get a deal done as soon as possible, but as new Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot proved while navigating his first NFL draft, he’s comfortable being uncomfortable.
Atlanta gave up a lot to acquire Jones over a decade ago. The team shouldn’t rush a deal for the greatest receiver in franchise history just to make the next month as comfortable as possible. Change is always uncomfortable, but Fontenot knows this is a critical moment that will affect the team in both the present and the future.
Don’t expect him to blink now.
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