Julio Jones is anxious to leave the Falcons, but Dak Prescott won’t be throwing him touchdown passes for the Cowboys anytime soon.
The idea of adding Julio Jones to the Cowboys’ star-studded receiving corps might be appealing to Jerry Jones, but it’s not an idea that Jones is interested in. The embattled Falcons receiver isn’t making any secret of his desire to stay out of Big D.
This should not be misconstrued as good news for Falcons fans. Jones clearly made his feelings regarding Atlanta felt on Monday morning when he told Sterling Sharpe of his belief that he’s “outta there.” The Falcons front office has burned bridges with their All-Pro wide receiver and now needs to find a decent exit strategy.
Shipping Jones to Dallas will not be a solution to the Falcons’ problems. Evidently, the prospect of catching passes from Dak Prescott isn’t all that alluring to Jones. His early statements ruling out a move to the Cowboys make a deal between the two teams exceedingly unlikely.
The question remains where Jones does want to move. The Packers seem like one obvious potential landing spot due to their need to placate Aaron Rodgers. The Patriots, 49ers, Chargers, Colts, Titans, and Ravens all have a need for a top-flight pass catcher and the salary cap space required to do a deal. Atlanta will start off trade discussions by asking for a first round pick in exchange for Jones, but the odds favor the Falcons being forced to settle for a Day 2 selection in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Fortunately for the Cowboys, this isn’t a massive miss for their franchise. Jones would add another intriguing skill player for Prescott to work with, but wide receiver isn’t a position of need for Dallas. They’ll feel comfortable going into Week 1 with the starting trio of Amari Cooper, Michael Gallup, and CeeDee Lamb.
Don’t be surprised if a trade for Jones materializes pretty quickly. A swift resolution is in everyone’s interest. Just don’t expect the Cowboys to be a part of any move for the veteran Falcons star.