LISTEN: Have Falcons Moved On From Julio Jones?

Locked On Falcons: Practice Squads and Practice Habits With Guest Jeff Schultz

Jeremy Brener | Sep 2, 2021

When the Atlanta Falcons parted ways with franchise cornerstone Julio Jones, it was a shock to fans, coaches and teammates.

However, inside the organization, the move was boiling and triggering for several years in advance.

In an interview with Jeff Schultz of The Athletic, Falcons owner Arthur Blank described that the relationship "changed" over the last few years even after Jones signed his new three-year, $66 million contract extension in 2019. The deal made him the highest-paid wide receiver in NFL history.

That said, Jones was looking for a departure and a new chapter, and his wish was granted this summer. Now, Jones embarks on a new journey with the Tennessee Titans, and it sends the Falcons into a new era as well.

On this episode of "Locked On Falcons," host Aaron Freeman invites Schultz onto the show to discuss his interview with Blank and his comments on Jones' departure.

The two discuss the behind the scenes details of the Jones trade as seen by Blank and other people within the organization, and whether Julio's practice habits were the reason behind the trade request.

Aaron also breaks down the Falcons' additions to the practice squad, the release of long snapper Josh Harris and whether offensive lineman Colby Gossett could challenge rookie Jalen Mayfield to start at left guard for the season opener with Josh Andrews and other veterans headed to injured reserve.

Aaron deals with all that and more on this episode of "Locked On Falcons." For more podcasts and information, join us here.

CONTINUE READING: Falcons Sign 15: Falcons Practice Squad Tracker

Published Sep 2, 2021

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.