When it seemed that all the teams had practically assembled their rosters by the start of the 2020 campaign, the possible separation between Julio Jones and the Falcons put more than one team to dream, including the 49ers.
Even the coach from San Francisco, Kyle Shanahan, he was excited about the possible acquisition of Jones. About, the coach indicated the ‘Niners’ are willing to negotiate a transfer for Alabama product.
“We are always interested in improving the team. We’ve never said, ‘We’re done, we can’t do any more signings.’ We always try to make hiring happen, “he assured at a press conference.
Nevertheless, talks with Atlanta could be rocky. It has been speculated that the Falcons are asking for a first-round draft pick for Jones; The 49ers do not have a picks from that round for the 2022 and 2023 drafts as they were sent to Miami in a trade that culminated in Trey Lance’s selection in the 2021 Draft.
“It is more difficult when you have already provided capital to make movements. Everything fit together and it made sense, but we have never said that we are done, “he lamented.
The connections
If the 49ers can convince the Falcons that they are the ideal place for Julio Jones, this would represent the reunion between the wide receiver and Shanahan. The now-San Francisco HC served as Atlanta’s offensive coordinator from 2015 to 2016 – in their first year they reached Super Bowl LI.
In addition, Jones’ virtual arrival at Levi’s Stadium would help finish youth development Brandon Aiyuk (first round of the 2020 Draft) and Deebo Samuel (second round of the 2019 Draft), who at the moment are the main targets in the 49ers passing game – not counting George Kittle.
