49ers news: 3 trade scenarios to land Falcons WR Julio Jones

The 49ers are going to be hard-pressed to somehow trade for Falcons star wideout Julio Jones, but these three scenarios make it possible.

So, you’re saying there’s a chance the San Francisco 49ers are somehow able to pry disgruntled Atlanta Falcons superstar wide receiver Julio Jones away from his team and onto the Niners roster this offseason?

Jones wants out and would prefer to play for a winning team, not a Falcons squad going through a rebuild. Considering San Francisco is viewed as a playoff-caliber squad, and both of Jones’ first-team All-Pro selections came when now-49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan was Atlanta’s offensive coordinator, it makes sense Shanahan and the Niners would be viewed as hot suitors.

In all honesty, it would be tough for San Francisco to somehow acquire the 32-year-old Jones. Yes, the 49ers do have receiving needs to go along with starters Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk, and there’s no doubting Jones would provide a massive upgrade.

But with no first-round NFL Draft picks the next two years, and the Falcons likely asking for at least one in return, it’ll be tough for Shanahan and general manager John Lynch to find the correct compensation.

On top of that, per Over the Cap, Jones is scheduled to earn $15.3 million after a would-be trade. And while that number drops to $11.5 million in each of the following two years, the Niners having to pick up Jones’ cost would endanger their ability to extend other key players like linebacker Fred Warner.

However, there are some possible ways San Francisco could make it work, including these three trade scenarios that would work from both a compensation and financial aspect.