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ATLANTA, GA – AUGUST 22: Wide receiver Julio Jones #11 of the Atlanta Falcons has some laughs on the sidelines in the second half of an NFL preseason game against the Washington Redskins at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on August 22, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
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ATLANTA, GA – AUGUST 22: Wide receiver Julio Jones #11 of the Atlanta Falcons has some laughs on the sidelines in the second half of an NFL preseason game against the Washington Redskins at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on August 22, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
Things do not look so great for the Atlanta Falcons. With their star wide receiver Julio Jones stating his desire to leave the franchise in a sensational manner, the franchise finds itself in a tough spot.
Jones recently declared his intention to move on from the franchise while talking to former NFL Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe during a segment of Undisputed. Sharpe called Jones midway through the show to ask him whether he’d be staying with the Falcons in 2021.
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And his straightforward response to the query took everyone by surprise. “I’m out of there,” the 7-time Pro Bowler said.
READ MORE – ‘I’m Out of There’ – Falcons WR Julio Jones Confirms Live On Air That He Is Set To Make Shock Exit
With it being clear that Jones has no intentions to return to Atlanta for 2021, the Falcons must now look for a suitable trade package. And NFL insider Adam Schefter believes he knows what the Falcons might seek in return for Jones.
Acquiring Julio Jones set to come at a price
Taking to Twitter, Adam Schefter said that sources revealed what the franchise is looking for in return for Jones. And it seems like nothing less than a first-round pick will be enough to wrap up the deal.
“Atlanta has asked teams that have inquired about Julio Jones for a first-round draft pick in return, per sources.”
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Julio Jones #11 of the Atlanta Falcons catches a 29-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The game was held at the Georgia Dome on December 15, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
But Schefter also said that some believe it is unlikely the franchise will get a first-rounder for Jones.
“Others around the league don’t believe the Falcons ultimately will get a first for the perennial Pro-Bowl wide receiver,” he tweeted.
Since Schefter posted the tweet, Jones‘ admission on live television may have impacted the Falcons’ decision making. The NFL insider said that while the franchise wasn’t keen on trading to an NFC rival, right now they’d be okay to pick up the right deal from either conference.
Falcons prefer not to trade Julio Jones in the NFC, but would do so for the right price. But now, with Jones wanting out of Atlanta, they are looking for the best value in either conference. https://t.co/D59vq0x9jz
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 24, 2021
Jones has been the face of the Falcons offense for years. A 2-time NFL All-Pro, he’s widely regarded as one of the best in the sport at his position.
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Injuries curtailed his playing time in 2020, but the wideout is now focused on returning to his best in 2021. The free agency wide receiver market took a hit this season. But having the chance to trade for a player of Jones’ caliber might be an offer too good to turn down for some teams.
