He has been the biggest asset to the Atlanta Falcons since 2011, however, Julio Jones wants the franchise to make him a priority for the 2018 season. While it’s not concerned about him missing offseason workouts – as he trains back at Alabama — there is the matter of his contract.
According to a report from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport on Friday, the eight-year veteran at receiver wants an update on his deal. The former first-round selection of the 2011 NFL Draft will pocket $10.5 million next season, which is seventh among his peers via Over the Cap.
From Up to the Minute Live: #Falcons WR Julio Jones is among those not expected to be at OTAs, sources say, after being in and out last year. He also wants an update to his contract. Considering the kind of teammate he is, it sounds like the team is willing to consider it. pic.twitter.com/PulYkczo57
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 18, 2018
In 2015, Jones signed a five-year extension worth $71.5 million with $47 million guaranteed.
Despite the total amount placing him fourth among wide outs, his average of $14.3 million per season has him eighth among targets. Jones has only two seasons where he did not record 1,000 yards receiving, and one was in 2013 – the year he suffered a fractured foot after five games.
He totaled 88 receptions in 2017 for 1,444 yards and three touchdowns and though it picked Calvin Ridley in the first round of this year’s draft, the Falcons really love Jones.
A five-time Pro Bowl selection and twice named first-team All-Pro, Jones stands with 585 catches in his tenure for 9,054 receiving yards and 43 touchdowns. Atlanta should come to terms with him on a deal soon, but for now he is expected to miss organized team activities or OTA’s.
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.
