Mike Freeman of B/R reports that Falcons WR Julio Jones‘ decision to skip mandatory minicamp last week is due to the fact that he wants more money.
League sources have told Freeman that the relationship between the Falcons and Jones is “strained” and there is “tension” between the two, but it can be repaired.
Jones has been working out with Hall of Fame WR Terrell Owens this offseason, which has reportedly led to some concern from the Falcons.
Freeman spoke with Owens this week about the report that the Falcons are “uneasy” about his relationship with Jones.
“I have no idea where all of this is coming from,” Owens said. “I have nothing to do with Julio except training. This is the media trying [to] create something that’s not even there. It’s very unfortunate. What possible reason would they have to create that narrative?”
Last week, Falcons HC Dan Quinn said that they have had some discussions with Jones and he’s confident a deal will get done before training camp.
“The good news is that there are conversations that have begun,” Quinn said, via D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “We’ll keep those private. I have a lot of faith in the organization and also in Julio that things will get resolved with good communications. I’m sure that’ll be a part of it as well.”
Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reported that a month ago Jones is looking for an “update” to his contract and the Falcons are reportedly open to the possibility.
Jones, 29, is a former first-round pick of the Falcons back in 2011. He’s currently in the fourth year of his six-year, $81.432 million contract that includes $47 million guaranteed and stands to make base salaries of $10.5 million and $12.5 million over the next two years of the agreement.
In 2017, Jones appeared in all 16 games for the Falcons and caught 88 passes for 1,444 yards receiving and three touchdowns. He also contributed 15 yards rushing on one carry. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 3 receiver out of 116 qualifying players.
We’ll have more regarding Jones as the news is available.
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