Dianna Russini of ESPN reports that the Falcons are “confident” about getting a long-term extension in place for WR Julio Jones before the start of training camp next month.
The Falcons have made it clear that signing Jones to an extension this offseason is among their top priorities along with a new deal for franchise DT Grady Jarrett.
Jones said recently that he is not concerned about his contract situation and he has been assured by owner Arthur Blank that they would get a deal done.
“Nah, man, as far as the contract thing, (owner) Mr. (Arthur) Blank has spoken,” Jones said, via D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Consitution. “At the end of the day, his word is gold. He said they are going to get something done between them and my agency. As far as me, I just hold up my end and stay ready.”
Jones said he doesn’t have any concerns with his health after dealing with a foot injury last season and plans to “take it easy” with this portion of camp.
“Just maintenance,” said Jones. “I just take it easy. I’m not out here to rush things. A lot of times guys get hurt coming back. You get MCL, ACL and Achilles, things like that. Especially when you come out here and you’re an explosive guy. I just want to take my time coming back into it. You just have to gradually get back into it.”
Indications are that Jones and Michael Thomas should reestablish the top-of-the-market salary for the receiver position once their new deals are done. Odell Beckham Jr is currently the highest-paid receiver in the NFL at $18 million per year.
Jones, 30, is a former first-round pick of the Falcons back in 2011. He’s currently in the fifth year of his six-year, $81.432 million contract that includes $47 million guaranteed and stands to make a base salary of $12.5 million for the 2018 season.
The Falcons adjusted Jones’ contract last year to pay him an additional $2.9 million in 2018 and included a $4.4 million signing bonus.
In 2018, Jones appeared in all 16 games for the Falcons and caught 113 passes for 1,677 yards receiving and eight touchdowns.
We’ll have more regarding a new deal for Jones as the news is available.
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