Niners Nate-tion Podcast: Could the 49ers make a Julio Jones trade work?

The 49ers have had an offseason that few could have predicted after the Super Bowl concluded three months ago. Despite key free agents up and down the roster, San Francisco has largely brought back the guts of their Super Bowl team - and they even made a few upgrades through the draft and free agency. No offseason is perfect, however, and despite a ton of good work from Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch, one hole remains: wide receiver. It’s no surprise, therefore, that Niner Nate and Leo Luna were asked over and over again about the position on today’s Niner Nate-tion Podcast. One listener in particular proposed a blockbuster trade involving Deebo Samuel and picks in exchange for Falcons wideout Julio Jones.

It’s no secret that the Atlanta Falcons would like to free themselves from Julio Jones’ contract, and a post-June 1st trade would save them about $15 million in cap space. Peter King recently put the chances of a deal before Labor Day at 60-40.

And there’s no question Jones would instantly be the best receiver on the 49ers’ roster, even if Samuel wasn’t part of the deal. In two years with Kyle Shanahan as offensive coordinator, Jones averaged 110 catches, more than 1,600 yards, and seven touchdowns.

Also, don’t dismiss the idea of the 49ers moving on from Deebo Samuel. In early March Benjamin Allbright told Niners Nation he wouldn’t be surprised if #19 didn’t get a second contract from the team.

That said, Leo Luna rained on that parade pretty quickly.

“I love Julio Jones but he’s definitely not going to be a 49er,” Luna said, “What do the Falcons get out of Deebo Samuel as well? Their receiving corps is pretty solid as it is, with Calvin Ridley and Kyle Pitts. I think they’re better off collecting a draft pick instead of getting Deebo Samuel in a trade.”

There’s also the fact that there’s no way you could fit Julio Jones under the salary cap without losing a few additional players. Still, it is fun to think about an offense built around George Kittle, Brandon Aiyuk, Raheem Mostert, and Julio Jones, isn’t it?

Aside from Julio, however, Leo and Niner Nate did throw out several veteran possibilities for the Niners’ third wide receiver spot in today’s show. They also answered many other questions that you sent in. Check out the full episode here, and wherever you get your podcasts.

Other topics in today’s show:

• What do the 49ers do if Jimmy G. plays at a Pro Bowl level this year?
• Niner Nate’s hot take on Raheem Mostert that won’t make you happy
• One forgotten WR that could win the job in the slot (no, it’s not Jalen Hurd)