Originally posted on Sportsnaut | By Matt Fitzgerald | Last updated 5/25/21 The Atlanta Falcons are trying to distance themselves from all the Julio Jones trade rumors, but new head coach Arthur Smith had to face the music on Tuesday and wasn’t at all comfortable with it. Speaking to reporters, Smith fumbled a bit as he dealt with his first serious bout of adversity since taking the job, refusing to directly comment on Jones’ situation, per NFL.com’s Jeremy Bergman: “We have great appreciation and respect for Julio, what he’s done here, and for all the players that have been a part of this Falcons organization. Look, this is a tough business. We all signed up for it, coaches and players, we understand that. But everything we do here is going to be well-thought-out and it’s going to be handled behind the scenes with dignity with the players. As long as I’m here, that’s the way it’ll be done.”