The fate of Falcons star Julio Jones could be decided for him

As the Falcons prepare for their season opener against the Steelers, one of the greatest players in franchise history is still a free agent. Julio Jones' fate may be decided for him.

Much like Matt Ryan, Jones probably wants to keep playing, but sometimes the league will cut a player from the roster before deciding it's had enough. That could be the case with another Falcons great.

Ryan was traded to the Colts and essentially relegated to reserve status after just one season. The year before, Jones was traded to the Titans but only stayed there for one season before moving to the Buccaneers and Eagles – three teams in three years since leaving Atlanta.

In those three seasons, Jones appeared in 31 games, started 19 times, and caught just 66 passes for just over 800 yards and six touchdowns. To say that his career ended on a disappointing note would be an understatement.

Before his final year in Atlanta, Julio Jones was named All-Pro with a 1,394-yard season. He was literally the best receiver of the decade and now a shadow of his former self, but that's what can happen in this league.

There's still a chance the former Falcons star will be signed, but I can't imagine him being anything more than a fourth option in the receiver room. If that's the only scenario that Julio Jones returns to the league, I have to imagine he's seriously considering hanging up his cleats and calling it a career.

The Falcons will surely retire Julio Jones' number shortly after announcing his retirement, and he will soon be moving to Canton.