I guess it’s that time of the offseason already, we usually don’t hit this point until a couple of weeks after the draft, but I guess folks are running out of things to talk about. Jokes aside, this rumor has some legs; I’m sure the Falcons are listening to offers, but teams listen to offers all the time.
Albert Breer also adds to the Julio trade speculation in his latest article:https://t.co/BqnZLkxvZ7 pic.twitter.com/6YDRGvOwBu
— Aaron Freeman (@falcfans) April 26, 2021
Julio Jones trade 'would not surprise' Peter King https://t.co/e2Rz9r3hH6
— NBC Sports EDGE Football (@NBCSEdgeFB) April 26, 2021
Peter King and Albert Breer are credible sources, but I’m not sure if the Falcons are doing anything besides kicking the tires. I’m sure these conversations have taken place, but it feels unnecessary. As it stands via OverTheCap, the Falcons have $186.58 million in cap liabilities, with the salary cap being at $182.5 million. Atlanta’s draft class is expected to cost them about $7.05 million in cap space before any trades.
That’s a decent amount of money to workaround, but I still think extending Grady Jarrett or restructuring Julio Jones rather than trading him would be the best course of action. By max restructuring both guys, the Falcons would eliminate around $17 million against the 2021 cap sheet. As I’ve said before, Julio’s value has never been lower. I think he’ll bounce back in 2021, and there’s no way you’re going to get fair compensation for him if he does return to form. Besides, you’re already hamstringing Arthur Smith’s offense by taking away one of his biggest assets before the season even begins. Personally, I want Julio to be a Falcon for life, and while I may be biased, I don’t think the ends justify the means when better alternative options are available.
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