Superstar receiver Julio Jones has made one thing clear with the Atlanta Falcons: he wants his money and desires an improvement to his contract as soon as possible.
The former University of Alabama star has been in conversations with the organization throughout the summer on an update to his deal; however, the talks have gone to no avail. According to a tweet from NFL insider Ian Rapoport, the five-time NFL Pro Bowl selection won’t report to training camp as he continues to pursue an adjustment to his contract.
#Falcons WR Julio Jones does not plan to report to camp and he is comfortable sitting out the entire time, sources said. He is still seeking a contract adjustment, while the team made clear to him they did not plan to give him one. He appears resolute in his mindset.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 24, 2018
During his time in Atlanta, #Falcons WR Julio Jones has been a model teammate and his strong stance has surprised some. But he is also a very savvy businessman off the field. He knows value. So this is not out of character. Either way, the team won’t see him for a while.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 24, 2018
After signing a five-year extension worth $71.5 million in 2015, Jones is expected to see just $10.5 million in the coming season. Six receivers are projected to make more than the eight-year veteran, including Larry Fitzgerald, Mike Evans, Jarvis Landry, DeAndre Hopkins, A.J. Green and T.Y. Hilton per Over the Cap.
Aside from Pittsburgh’s Antonio Brown, Jones has been the best player in the National Football League at his position since being selected in the first round (No. 6 pick) of the 2011 draft. He’s collected five 1,000-yard seasons and is coming off a 2017 campaign where he totaled 1,444 yards receiving with three touchdowns on 88 catches.
Jones re-wrote the NFL record book in 2015, as he was the league’s leader in receiving yards (1,875) and co-leader in receptions (136) while grabbing eight scores. He helped carry the Falcons offense to Super Bowl 51 in 2016, despite a heart-breaking loss to the Patriots.
He mentioned earlier this offseason that there is “no bad blood” between he and the franchise; nevertheless, Tide fans and Falcons fans would like to see Jones get his money.
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.
