When he selected Florida tight end Kyle Pitts in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, the Falcons added an already loaded slate with offensive weapons. But it is possible that the star-studded group will never get to play below as they are currently formed.
According to NBC Sports’ Peter King, there is a “better than 50-50” chance that Atlanta trades Pro Bowl wide receiver Julio Jones seven times before the season begins. A trade will take place after June 1, but there is a lot on the table for the team.
“The reason is, obviously, that the Falcons are originally in Cap prison, and that they can clear Julio Jones a terrible place for business on or after June 2,” Raja said on his podcast. He said, “Instead of taking them all now, they can separate their hats in two years. So, I think there is still a good chance that he is going to do business. “
The veteran reporter spoke to both GM Terry Fontenot and new head coach Arthur Smith after the draft, and got away with the notion that a move was likely. Atlanta signed Jones to a three-year extension of $ 66 million in 2019, but if they trade him after June 1, he will be able to split his cap into two seasons.
Jones had a down year due to injury in 2020, with just 51 catches for 771 yards in nine matches played. It was his first season since 2013 (also an injury-prone year) where he did not pass for 1,394 yards.
Meanwhile, teammate Calvin Ridley was out with 1,374 yards and nine touchdowns, and a combination of Ridley and the rookie pits made it easier for the team to move on from Jones. Still, one would have to imagine that they would like the opportunity to field all three players at the same time for quarterback Matt Ryan.
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