However, that may not be the case now. As we approach June 1st, the date upon which teams will not lose compensatory picks for any player additions, Atlanta's asking price has lowered, but with one caveat: the team trading for Jones has to be willing to take on all of his salary.
Peter King of NBC Sports reported Sunday that the Falcons have been looking for trade situations under which the team would not be responsible for any of the $38 million in guaranteed money remaining on Jones' deal.
With the 49ers being one of the potential suitors that does not currently have a first-round pick, news that the Falcons would accept a second-round selection in return for Jones could put them back in the race for the star receiver.
"I was told a while ago by a source I trust that the Falcons would accept a hard second-round pick in 2022 (no condition on Jones' playing time) with no responsibility to pay Jones any of the $38 million he has coming," wrote King in his latest Football Morning in America column. "That seems like the most logical outcome, and my guess is a hard second-rounder is already on the table from some team."
The 49ers have simmered as a potential trade candidate due to their lack of cap space and lack of immediate need at the position, while other suitors for Jones, like the Seahawks, have recently emerged.
Jones is on the books for $15.3 million this season, and $11.513 million for next season and the following season. Earlier this week, Jones was called by Shannon Sharpe during a broadcast of FS1's Undisputed and expressed his desire to play elsewhere next season. At this moment, it is unknown whether Jones knew he was on live television at the time.
Following that exchange, Ian Rapoport confirmed that Jones issued a trade request months ago to the new Falcons management, and the team began listening to offers, although its asking price was a first-round pick at the time.
Written By:
Writer/Reporter for 49ers Webzone
All articles by Rohan Chakravarthi
Rohan Chakravarthi
Writer/Reporter for 49ers Webzone
All articles by Rohan Chakravarthi
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers beat writer makes bold first-round pick in mock draft
The staff at The Athletic recently conducted a joint mock draft, with one reporter selecting for each team. By the time the San Francisco 49ers were on the hypothetical clock at No. 11, three defensive linemen and two offensive linemen—the two positions widely considered... -
49ers trading Deebo Samuel to the Commanders for a fifth-round pick
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the San Francisco 49ers are trading wide receiver Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders for a fifth-round draft pick. The trade will become official on March 12, when the new league year begins. Notably, Commanders general manager Adam... -
49ers select safety with top pick in CBS Sports mock draft
CBS Sports writer Ryan Wilson released his latest mock draft, projecting an unexpected direction for the San Francisco 49ers with their No. 11 overall selection. While most mock drafts predict the team will bolster its offensive or defensive line, Wilson has the 49ers selecting... -
NFL to use Hawk-Eye technology for first down measurements, phasing out chains
The NFL is modernizing how first downs are measured during games. Starting in the 2025 season, the league will replace the traditional chain measurement with Hawk-Eye virtual technology to determine if a first down has been achieved. Chain measurements will still be used as a...