Julio Jones, Atlanta Falcons. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Julio Jones’ desire to leave the Falcons is nothing new. The veteran wideout told the team of his months before the story broke publicly.
Falcons fans frustrated with Julio Jones’ public words about wanting to leave Atlanta might want to reconsider. The veteran wideout actually made his wishes known to the franchise months ago. His most recent comments have only been made in the aftermath of weeks of inactivity.
According to Ian Rapoport, Jones requested the trade “a few months ago” and the organization assured him they’d “listen to offers.” To this point, no offer has materialized that will satisfy all parties. The Falcons are still looking for a first round pick in exchange for their All-Pro wideout and Jones only wants to move to a team capable of making a deep postseason run.
Jones’ public comments about wanting out of Atlanta on Monday morning are designed to heap public pressure on the franchise to find a deal that works for everyone. Jones’s massive salary also restricts the number of teams who are able to make a deal for him. Even so, there’s thought to be serious interest in Jones from several teams that view him as the player who can put them over the top as Super Bowl favorites this season.
It will be interesting to see whether or not Jones’ public comments will have the desired effect for the player and his representatives. They might serve only to dig the Falcons’ front office heels further into the ground when it comes to getting a first rounder in any potential trade. That demand remains the largest impediment to a deal at the current time.
The Falcons certainly weren’t surprised by today’s news even if they hoped Jones would stay quiet. Pressure is mounting on Atlanta’s front office to find a deal that works for Jones and helps improve the franchise’s long-term future.