The career of the former Falcons star comes to a sad end, the hunt for free agents continues

Thursday night's NFL opener approaches as a former Atlanta Falcons legend continues to search for a new spot. Julio Jones' retirement was a sad sight for Atlanta Falcons fans. Jones went from a top-5 receiver seemingly overnight to a player who will be the 4th or 5th option if he makes a roster and stays healthy.

Whether it was the Titans, the Bucs or the Eagles, every team signed Jones in the hopes of breaking through. In each of his three appearances since Atlanta's departure, his performance has dropped and injuries have piled up. Aside from garbage time with the Bucs in a playoff game, Jones has never again shown himself to be the player he once was.

If the Falcons are not interested in a farewell tour and Jones is not willing to accept a role without contribution, it could mean the end of the veteran's career.

If this is the end for the former Falcon, Jones will be the league's 16th all-time leading receiver with 13,703 receiving yards. If Jones decides to stick around, he'll likely just be trying to get the 300 yards he needs to move up three spots on the all-time list or in hopes of grabbing an elusive Super Bowl ring.

Jones joined the Bucs and Eagles to do just that, but chose both teams a year too late. Julio's career can only continue if he joins a team suffering from injuries or if the Falcons are interested in bringing his leadership and experience to a young position group.

Giving the veteran a chance to end his career where it began would make sense for both sides. Nostalgia aside, it gives fans another reason to come and a leader for a very thin and young position group. However, a return to Atlanta or another hire for Jones is becoming increasingly unlikely as this appears to be the end of the Atlanta legend's career.