NFL: Julio Jones confirms that his time with the Atlanta Falcons is over
Atlanta, Georgia - The Atlanta Falcons and their star wide receiver seem to be on the verge of parting ways after rumors of a departure were confirmed on Monday.
Julio Jones (32) reiterated his desire to search for greener pastures on Monday, putting his current team, the Falcons, in the hot seat when it comes to deciding whether to keep him or street him.
In a phone interview, with Shannon Sharpe that aired Monday on FS1’s Undisputed, Jones was asked about his future in Atlanta. His response was simple: I’m outta there!"
Jones first made news last month when he formally requested a trade from the Falcons to any team that was primed to contend for a Super Bowl.
"Right now I wanna win," Jones told Sharpe. The Falcons had a dismal season last year, in which the team finished at the bottom of the NFC South at 4-12.
After his request, the team had shopped around offers for Jones, but nothing had panned out at this point. The Falcons also shopped around for high-rated draft picks prior to last month’s draft, but still no takers.
At the very least, Atlanta would lighten this upcoming season's $23.05 million salary-cap hit if they are able to send Jones packing.
Julio Jones has spent his entire ten-year career so far with the Falcons after he was drafted sixth overall in 2011.
He has led the NFL in receiving yards twice, made seven Pro Bowls, and is the Falcons' all-time leader in receptions and receiving yards.
Cover photo: IMAGO / Icon SMI