ESPN has ranked the Julio Jones trade as the most impactful in Atlanta Falcons history. This highlights the team's history of significant draft-day trades under various general managers.
ESPN ranks Julio Jones trade as most impactful in Falcons history
The Atlanta Falcons are no strangers to draft-day trades, regardless of who is running the show. The team's last two general managers, Thomas Dimitroff and Terry Fontenot, both pulled off blockbuster trades during their tenures in Atlanta.
Fontenot shook up last year's draft by moving up for edge James Pearce Jr. on Day 1. While this gamble worked out at first, the team still missed the playoffs and had no first-round pick in 2026 as a result of the trade.
First-year Falcons GM Ian Cunningham pulled off a trade of his own during the 2026 NFL Draft, however, the stakes weren't nearly as high. Atlanta swapped fourth-round picks with the Las Vegas Raiders in order pick up an additional sixth-round pick.
ESPN put out a new feature highlighting each team's most impactful draft-day trade in franchise history. Atlanta's most impactful trade should come as no surprise. Back in 2011, the Falcons traded two first-round picks, one second-round pick and two fourth-round picks to move up to pick No. 6 overall for Alabama wideout Julio Jones.
Atlanta paid a hefty price to get Jones, but there's no doubt the franchise would do it all over again. Jones ended up being one of the best wide receivers of his generation and a potential future Hall of Famer, pairing with quarterback Matt Ryan to help lead the Falcons to Super Bowl LI in 2017. In 10 seasons in Atlanta, Jones was a two-time All-Pro selection and seven-time Pro Bowler. He owns franchise records for career receiving yards (12,896) and receptions (848). Jones also has quite a few NFL milestones to his name, as well, including most games with 250 or more receiving yards (three) and consecutive seasons with 1,400 or more receiving yards (five). --
The Julio Jones trade is considered the most impactful due to its significant influence on the team's performance and future direction.
The notable trades were executed by general managers Thomas Dimitroff, Terry Fontenot, and Ian Cunningham.
Ian Cunningham traded fourth-round picks with the Las Vegas Raiders to acquire an additional sixth-round pick.
After trading up for James Pearce Jr., the Falcons missed the playoffs and lost their first-round pick in 2026.
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While Jones' 10-year run was one of the greatest by a wide receiver in NFL history, his post-Falcons career left much to be desired. After being traded to the Tennessee Titans in 2021, Jones finished the season with 434 receiving yards and one touchdowns in 10 games.
After his one-year stint in Tennessee, Jones took his talents to the NFC South-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2022. He had just 299 receiving yards and two touchdowns in one season with the Bucs. From there, Jones went to the Philadelphia Eagles where he had minimal success (11 catches for 74 receiving yards and three touchdowns) in 2023.
Regardless of how his career ended, Jones will go down as one of the most dominant wide receivers in NFL history. His next stop should be at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.
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CLEMSON, SOUTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 08: Avieon Terrell #8 of the Clemson Tigers reacts after a play during the second half of a football game against the Florida State Seminoles at Memorial Stadium on November 08, 2025 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 07: Avieon Terrell #20 of the Clemson Tigers celebrates after a pass defense during the fourth quarter of the 2024 ACC Football Championship at Bank of America Stadium on December 07, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
CLEMSON, SOUTH CAROLINA - SEPTEMBER 28: Avieon Terrell #20 of the Clemson Tigers celebrates after intercepting the ball during the first half of a football game against the Stanford Cardinal at Memorial Stadium on September 28, 2024 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)
Dec 29, 2023; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Clemson corner back Avieon Terrell (20) tackles Kentucky receiver Tayvion Robinson (9) near safety Jalyn Phillips (1) during the third quarter of the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports
Kentucky Wildcats wide receiver Dane Key (6) carries Clemson Tigers cornerback Avieon Terrell (20) exchange words after Key took a long pass to the 5-yard line while being defended by Terrell during the first quarter. The Kentucky Wildcats faced off against the Clemson Tigers Friday, December 29, 2023, in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl in Jacksonville, Florida. The Wildcats led 14 to 10 at the half. [Bob Self/Florida Times-Union]
Clemson corner back Avieon Terrell (20) during Clemson football practice at Jervey Meadows in Clemson, S.C. Wednesday August 7, 2024.
Clemson corner back Avieon Terrell (20) during the first practice at Clemson, S.C. Friday, August 4, 2023.
Dec 21, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns wide receiver Matthew Golden (2) catches a pass as Clemson Tigers cornerback Avieon Terrell (20) defends during the second quarter of the CFP National Playoff first round game at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
AUSTIN, TEXAS - DECEMBER 21: Jaydon Blue #23 of the Texas Longhorns runs the ball against Avieon Terrell #20 of the Clemson Tigers during the second quarter in the Playoff First Round Game at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on December 21, 2024 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Jack Gorman/Getty Images)
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ATHENS, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 6: Zachariah Branch #1 of the Georgia Bulldogs warms up prior to the game against the Austin Peay Governors at Sanford Stadium on September 6, 2025 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
Nov 28, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Zachariah Branch (1) celebrates with offensive lineman Monroe Freeling (57) after a touchdown catch against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE - SEPTEMBER 13: Zachariah Branch #1 of the Georgia Bulldogs celebrates with Oscar Delp #4 after the 44-41 OT win over the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on September 13, 2025 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Zachariah Branch #1 of the Georgia Bulldogs carries the ball after a reception against the Texas Longhorns during the second quarter of the game at Sanford Stadium on November 15, 2025 in Athens, Georgia.
Zachariah Branch of the Georgia Bulldogs celebrates a touchdown during the first half against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 28, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia.
ATHENS, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 06: Zachariah Branch #1 of the Georgia Bulldogs returns a kickoff during the third quarter against the Austin Peay Governors at Sanford Stadium on September 6, 2025 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
Jan 1, 2026; New Orleans, LA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Zachariah Branch (1) gestures after a first down against the Mississippi Rebels during the 2026 Sugar Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Georgia wide receiver Zachariah Branch (1) carries the ball during the Sugar Bowl and College Football Playoff quarterfinals at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La., on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026.
Feb 28, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Georgia wideout Zachariah Branch (WO09) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kendal Daniels (5) celebrates after a play during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Missouri Tigers at Gaylord Family à Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025. Oklahoma won 17-6.
Oct 25, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kendal Daniels (5) reacts during the second half against the Ole Miss Rebels at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
NORMAN, OKLAHOMA - NOVEMBER 22: Linebacker Kendal Daniels #5 of the Oklahoma Sooners celebrates sacking quarterback Beau Pribula #9 of the Missouri Tigers (not pictured) for a loss of three yards with defensive back Omarion Robinson #2 in the fourth quarter at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on November 22, 2025 in Norman, Oklahoma. Oklahoma won 17-6. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
Oct 18, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kendal Daniels (5) celebrates a safety against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the second half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
Oct 25, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kendal Daniels (5) celebrates with Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Sammy Omosigho (7) and Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Reggie Powers III (13) during the second half against the Ole Miss Rebels at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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Sep 7, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back TreVeyon Henderson (32) muscles his way into the endzone for a touchdown past Western Michigan Broncos defensive lineman Anterio Thompson (11) and defensive lineman Corey Walker (93) during the first half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium.
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - SEPTEMBER 06: Anterio Thompson #54 of the Washington Huskies takes the field against the UC Davis Aggies at Husky Stadium on September 06, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Washington Huskies senior defensive tackle Anterio Thompson celebrates after Washington's win over Purdue. Mandatory Credit: Scott Eklund- University of Washington Athletics/Red Box Pictures
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - MAY 02: Anterio Thompson #54 of Washington Huskies in action during the Second Annual Dawgs After Dark Spring Game at Husky Stadium on May 02, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Rio Giancarlo/Getty Images for ONIT)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - NOVEMBER 15: Anterio Thompson #54 of the Washington Huskies celebrates his sack against the Purdue Boilermakers at Husky Stadium on November 15, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
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COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - SEPTEMBER 14: Harold Perkins Jr. #7 of the LSU Tigers looks on before taking the field to face the South Carolina Gamecocks at Williams-Brice Stadium on September 14, 2024 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Isaiah Vazquez/Getty Images)
BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA - SEPTEMBER 13: Harold Perkins Jr. #7 of the LSU Tigers looks on during the game against the Florida Gators at Tiger Stadium on September 13, 2025 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
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Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Ethan Onianwa (78) blocks during the NCAA football game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Oct. 4, 2025.
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CLEMSON, SOUTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 08: Avieon Terrell #8 of the Clemson Tigers reacts after a play during the second half of a football game against the Florida State Seminoles at Memorial Stadium on November 08, 2025 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)
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CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 07: Avieon Terrell #20 of the Clemson Tigers celebrates after a pass defense during the fourth quarter of the 2024 ACC Football Championship at Bank of America Stadium on December 07, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
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CLEMSON, SOUTH CAROLINA - SEPTEMBER 28: Avieon Terrell #20 of the Clemson Tigers celebrates after intercepting the ball during the first half of a football game against the Stanford Cardinal at Memorial Stadium on September 28, 2024 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)
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Dec 29, 2023; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Clemson corner back Avieon Terrell (20) tackles Kentucky receiver Tayvion Robinson (9) near safety Jalyn Phillips (1) during the third quarter of the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports
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Kentucky Wildcats wide receiver Dane Key (6) carries Clemson Tigers cornerback Avieon Terrell (20) exchange words after Key took a long pass to the 5-yard line while being defended by Terrell during the first quarter. The Kentucky Wildcats faced off against the Clemson Tigers Friday, December 29, 2023, in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl in Jacksonville, Florida. The Wildcats led 14 to 10 at the half. [Bob Self/Florida Times-Union]
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Clemson corner back Avieon Terrell (20) during Clemson football practice at Jervey Meadows in Clemson, S.C. Wednesday August 7, 2024.
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Clemson corner back Avieon Terrell (20) during the first practice at Clemson, S.C. Friday, August 4, 2023.
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Dec 21, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns wide receiver Matthew Golden (2) catches a pass as Clemson Tigers cornerback Avieon Terrell (20) defends during the second quarter of the CFP National Playoff first round game at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
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AUSTIN, TEXAS - DECEMBER 21: Jaydon Blue #23 of the Texas Longhorns runs the ball against Avieon Terrell #20 of the Clemson Tigers during the second quarter in the Playoff First Round Game at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on December 21, 2024 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Jack Gorman/Getty Images)
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ATHENS, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 6: Zachariah Branch #1 of the Georgia Bulldogs warms up prior to the game against the Austin Peay Governors at Sanford Stadium on September 6, 2025 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
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Nov 28, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Zachariah Branch (1) celebrates with offensive lineman Monroe Freeling (57) after a touchdown catch against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
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KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE - SEPTEMBER 13: Zachariah Branch #1 of the Georgia Bulldogs celebrates with Oscar Delp #4 after the 44-41 OT win over the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on September 13, 2025 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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Zachariah Branch #1 of the Georgia Bulldogs carries the ball after a reception against the Texas Longhorns during the second quarter of the game at Sanford Stadium on November 15, 2025 in Athens, Georgia.
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Zachariah Branch of the Georgia Bulldogs celebrates a touchdown during the first half against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 28, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia.
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ATHENS, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 06: Zachariah Branch #1 of the Georgia Bulldogs returns a kickoff during the third quarter against the Austin Peay Governors at Sanford Stadium on September 6, 2025 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
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Jan 1, 2026; New Orleans, LA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Zachariah Branch (1) gestures after a first down against the Mississippi Rebels during the 2026 Sugar Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
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Georgia wide receiver Zachariah Branch (1) carries the ball during the Sugar Bowl and College Football Playoff quarterfinals at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La., on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026.
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Feb 28, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Georgia wideout Zachariah Branch (WO09) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kendal Daniels (5) celebrates after a play during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Missouri Tigers at Gaylord Family à Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025. Oklahoma won 17-6.
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Oct 25, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kendal Daniels (5) reacts during the second half against the Ole Miss Rebels at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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NORMAN, OKLAHOMA - NOVEMBER 22: Linebacker Kendal Daniels #5 of the Oklahoma Sooners celebrates sacking quarterback Beau Pribula #9 of the Missouri Tigers (not pictured) for a loss of three yards with defensive back Omarion Robinson #2 in the fourth quarter at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on November 22, 2025 in Norman, Oklahoma. Oklahoma won 17-6. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
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Oct 18, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kendal Daniels (5) celebrates a safety against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the second half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
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Oct 25, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kendal Daniels (5) celebrates with Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Sammy Omosigho (7) and Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Reggie Powers III (13) during the second half against the Ole Miss Rebels at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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Sep 7, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back TreVeyon Henderson (32) muscles his way into the endzone for a touchdown past Western Michigan Broncos defensive lineman Anterio Thompson (11) and defensive lineman Corey Walker (93) during the first half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium.
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SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - SEPTEMBER 06: Anterio Thompson #54 of the Washington Huskies takes the field against the UC Davis Aggies at Husky Stadium on September 06, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
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Washington Huskies senior defensive tackle Anterio Thompson celebrates after Washington's win over Purdue. Mandatory Credit: Scott Eklund- University of Washington Athletics/Red Box Pictures
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SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - MAY 02: Anterio Thompson #54 of Washington Huskies in action during the Second Annual Dawgs After Dark Spring Game at Husky Stadium on May 02, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Rio Giancarlo/Getty Images for ONIT)
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SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - NOVEMBER 15: Anterio Thompson #54 of the Washington Huskies celebrates his sack against the Purdue Boilermakers at Husky Stadium on November 15, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
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COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - SEPTEMBER 14: Harold Perkins Jr. #7 of the LSU Tigers looks on before taking the field to face the South Carolina Gamecocks at Williams-Brice Stadium on September 14, 2024 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Isaiah Vazquez/Getty Images)
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BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA - SEPTEMBER 13: Harold Perkins Jr. #7 of the LSU Tigers looks on during the game against the Florida Gators at Tiger Stadium on September 13, 2025 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
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Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Ethan Onianwa (78) blocks during the NCAA football game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Oct. 4, 2025.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Atlanta Falcons: Julio Jones trade ranked most impactful by ESPN