NFL: Julio Jones trade targets, odds

There have been trade rumors surrounding Julio Jones for the last couple of months but those whispers loudened last Monday morning when Jones said “I’m out of there” to Shannon Sharpe on Undisputed after being asked about the Atlanta Falcons looking to trade him. Jones also went onto say that he prefers to be traded to a contender. According to Ian Rapoport, the wide receiver requested a trade months ago and the Falcons have been listening to offers. Jones is guaranteed $15.3 million next season. Check out a few potential destinations and trade odds for the 7-time Pro Bowler.

San Francisco 49ers: Even though Atlanta previously said they didn’t want to make a deal with an NFC franchise, the 49ers have to make a run at the elite wide receiver. Kyle Shanahan, former Falcons offensive coordinator, coached Jones in 2016 and would love to have a chance for a reunion. San Francisco has $17 million in cap space but no first round picks to offer the Falcons. Jones would join an offense consisting of George Kittle, Deebo Samuel, Raheem Mostert, Trent Williams, and quarterbacks Jimmy Garoppolo and Trey Lance.

Tennessee Titans: AJ Brown and Derrick Henry have been openly-recruiting Jones on Twitter since his phone call on Undisputed. After losing Corey Davis and Jonnu Smith this offseason, the Titans need another experienced receiver. Ryan Tannehill has Brown, Henry, and Josh Reynolds to lean on but Jones could make this team a dark horse Super Bowl contender. After going 11-5 a year ago, Tennessee believes they can compete with Buffalo and Kansas City for an AFC title and they’re the favorites (+175) to trade for Jones if Atlanta decides to make a deal.

New England Patriots: Bill Belichick has been looking for a go-to wide receiver since Julian Edelman retired and N’Keal Harry hasn’t solidified himself as a first option. The Patriots have signed a number of veterans that could help the offense (Nelson Agholor, Hunter Henry, Jonnu Smith) but that’s only if quarterback improves. Cam Newton is expected to start the season with first round draft pick Mac Jones as the back-up. If you throw Jones into the mix, he could elevate this team to playoff contention if they’re able to stay healthy. The defense should also get a boost from a number of returning opt-outs.

Los Angeles Chargers: I think this would be the most exciting destination for the 32-year-old to land. Not only would the Chargers have one of the most promising young quarterbacks in Justin Herbert but also one of the most stacked group of receivers: Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Tyron Johnson, and Jones. Los Angeles has $16 million in cap space and the Falcons wouldn’t have to face Jones this season which would be a positive but this is still a long shot according to the odds. I'm not sure Jones make this team a Super Bowl contender but they'd certainly be a step closer to catching Kansas City.

Potential trade odds:

- Titans (+175)

- Patriots (+500)

- 49ers (+750)

- Washington (+750)

- Cardinals (+850)

According to FanDuel.

Photo Credit: Atlanta Falcons.