Report: Patriots have had ‘internal discussions’ about WR Julio Jones

For the last week, one of if not the main talking point around the NFL has been the Atlanta Falcons potentially trading Julio Jones. When having that discussion, fans and members of the media have regularly named the Patriots a potential landing spot.

As it turns out, it hasn’t just been fans and the media having those discussions. According to NFL Network’s Mike Giardi, the Patriots “have had internal discussions about the wide receiver.” Giardi adds that “the seriousness of those discussions weren’t made known to me so I shall not speculate.”

Jones is coming off a season that saw him play just six games due to a hamstring injury. However, he proved to be durable before that, and in 2019 caught 99 passes for 1,394 yards and six touchdowns. He turned 32 in February.

In addition to the injuries, Jones’ contract situation would likely factor into any trade. As things stand right now, he is under team control for three more years, carrying a $23 million dollar cap hit for this upcoming season, with cap hits of $19.2 million in 2022 and 2023. He has $17.5 million and $7.8 million in dead cap in each of those years, respectively.

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  Atlanta is currently projected to be about $6 million over the NFL salary cap, and still have to sign 10 of their 12 rookies including fourth-overall pick Kyle Pitts. According to Spotrac, they can open up the most cap space if Jones is traded after June 1.
  
  That contract situation will likely factor into what the Falcons get in return for Jones, either from the Patriots or another team. Jeff Schultz, who covers the Falcons for the Athletic, speculates it 'seems unlikely' Atlanta would be able to get a first-round pick in exchange for the five-time All-Pro. He adds that a second-round pick may be more realistic, but the price will ultimately be based on how many teams get involved in the negotiations, and if/how Jones' contract is restructured for the deal.
  
  The Patriots do have just under $16 million in cap space (per OverTheCap.com), so they would be able to give the Falcons some flexibility in negotiations. However so do other teams named by Schultz as potential suitors, including the Ravens, 49ers, Chargers, and Colts.
  
  If the Patriots can acquire Jones, the move would represent the cap on an extremely aggressive offseason. The team agreed to contracts this spring totaling nearly $300 million, including $124.5 million spent on pass catchers.

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Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.