At some point, the Atlanta Falcons have to pay Julio Jones.
In a contractual situation that has been occurring for a while now, no agreement has been stated from Jones’ end or the behalf of Arthur Blank (owner) and Thomas Dimitroff (general manager) in terms of a long-term extension for Jones. While some players are holding out of mandatory training camp for this reason, the nine-year veteran reported to work on Sunday – via NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
#Falcons WR Julio Jones said he was going to show up to camp on time, despite not having a long-term extension. And he has, in fact, arrived. It may be a little while for the contract though.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 21, 2019
Jones will have to wait for his new deal, as he’s still on the five-year, $71.25 million extension he signed in 2015.
He represented the National Football League as its highest-paid receiver at the time; however, more big deals have been signed since then.
Per Over the Cap, Jones is 12th among his position group for contracts and 13th when it comes to 2019 earnings.
He will pocket $13.46 million this season.
The 6-foot-3, 220-pound freak athlete has turned in 1,000+ yards receiving in six of his eight seasons in the NFL – including five consecutive times since 2014. Jones led the league in receiving yards in 2015 (1,871) and 2018 (1,677) while having eight touchdowns in both years.
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A former University of Alabama star, he is a six-time Pro Bowl selection (2012, 2014-18) and twice named to first-team NFL All-Pro in 2015-16.
Jones was a big reason behind Falcons’ quarterback Matt Ryan signing a $150 million contract with $100 million guaranteed.
Not too many can do what Jones does and it’s time for Atlanta to see it.
The 2009 BCS National Champion looks to help the franchise get back to the Super Bowl and win this time, but hopefully the Falcons pay Jones his worth.
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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.
