Julio Jones is officially reporting to training camp.
After a summer long pursuit of wanting an update to contract for this season, Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank, general manager Thomas Dimitroff and Jones agreed on Wednesday to revise the deal on the superstar wide receiver. News of this broke via NFL insider Ian Rapoport, while the Falcons posted a video on Twitter of Jones’ helmet being in the locker room.
BREAKING: Julio Jones will be in camp.
STORY – https://t.co/IoBJbxEfOa pic.twitter.com/FIcHJ57J9Z
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) July 26, 2018
Despite signing a five-year, $71.5 million extension in 2015, the move that was supposed to have made him the highest paid receiver in the National Football League only netted him $10.5 million for the fall. He’s been the face of the Falcons since the franchise traded up to select him with the sixth overall pick of the 2011 NFL Draft.
Jones has recorded five 1,000-yard seasons in seven years – including a record-setting campaign in 2015 with 136 receptions for 1,875 yards and eight touchdowns. He helped the team make a run to Super Bowl 51 in 2016 and though it lost to the Patriots, the five-time Pro Bowler turned in 87 receiving yards on four catches.
With him being the primary reason for quarterback Matt Ryan getting his $150 million contract, it is great to see Atlanta come to terms with Jones.
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.
