Well, Atlanta can put the idea of life after Julio Jones on hold after he has confirmed that he is not leaving the franchise. Despite rumors flying over social media on the NFL superstar receiver being upset with his contract, Jones told TMZ there is ‘no bad blood’ between he and the team.
As for his reason in not being with the Falcons for organized team activities, Jones said he is focusing on himself right now and trying to get himself better.
“We good,” Jones said to TMZ Sports on his relationship with Falcons’ owner, Arthur Blank. “We talk every day. We are good. It’s not even about the contract negotiations. Everybody wants a story right now and there is no story to tell. I love the team, I love the organization, I’m not going anywhere.”
With Jones shutting that situation down, one thing he is happy about for next season is the opportunity to work with another former University of Alabama wide receiver.
Atlanta selected Calvin Ridley in the first round of this year’s draft and for the five-time Pro Bowler, Jones told AL.com that he is ‘very excited’ to have a chance of being around Ridley.
“There’s so much I can teach him. He’s a raw talent. Very talented guy. But coming to the next level, it’s always good to have an older-head guy in there to help you,” Jones said on Sunday.
While Jones is not attending organized team activities, head coach Dan Quinn expects the eight-year veteran to be in the building for minicamp. A first-round pick of the 2011 NFL Draft, Jones is coming off his fourth consecutive 1,000-yard season (fifth in career) as he totaled 88 receptions for 1,444 receiving yards and three touchdowns through 16 games in 2017.
He signed a five-year, $71.5 million extension in 2015 and although Jones is pocketing just $10.5 million of his $14.3 million for next season, Atlanta will get to the bottom of the issue.
Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
