It’s been a solid weekend for Atlanta Falcons’ star wide receiver Julio Jones.

The former Alabama standout was selected with the No. 1 pick in the Fantasy Football World Championship, per Scout.com, and signed a five-year, $71.25 million extension with Atlanta.

Jones had a record-setting season in 2014, hauling in 104 receptions for 1,593 yards and six touchdowns in 15 games. His 1,593 receiving yards led the NFC and was an all-time single season record for the Falcons. Jones’ performance came on the heels of a dismal 2013 season, in which he caught 41 passes for 580 yards and two touchdowns in five games (foot).

It was only a matter of time before Atlanta would give the two-time Pro Bowler (2012, 2014) a multi-year extension. Dallas Cowboys wideout Dez Bryant and Denver Broncos star receiver Demaryius Thomas both signed five-year deals worth $70 million in the offseason.

Of Jones’ $71.25 million deal, $47.5 million is guaranteed.

Falcons’ owner Arthur Blank wants to keep Jones in Atlanta for a long time.

Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine and SB Nation. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @ESPN_Future.

Stephen M. Smith

Stephen Smith is a 2015 graduate of the University of Alabama. He is a senior writer and reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. He has covered Alabama football for 15 years and his knowledge and coverage of the Crimson Tide's program have made him among the most respected journalist in his field. Smith has been featured on ESPN and several other marquee outlets as an analyst.