The Atlanta Falcons continue to trudge through their coaching search as they interview some of the biggest coordinators in the league along with recently fired coaches like Doug Marrone and Rex Ryan. The Falcons have a lot of rebuilding to do this offseason and not all of it comes in the form of their coaching staff. Several players have their contracts coming to an end either this season or next while the coaching search and uncertainty surrounding Thomas Dimitroff stalls negotiations.
Julio Jones will be the biggest priority for the Atlanta Falcons come free agency time. The wide receiver had his fifth-year option picked up in 2014, but is expected to sign an extension this offseason instead of approaching free agency in 2016. Jones continues to be the biggest offensive threat for the Falcons and will get paid as such, but so far negotiations have been non-existent.
The Falcons did not negotiate with Jones last summer, making Roddy White's extension the priority instead. That means Jones should be in for a pay day this summer. Both the Falcons and Jones have maintained the desire to keep the relationship going for many years to come as the wide receiver admits he would like to stay in Atlanta for his career.
"That's on them to decide," Jones said, via ESPN.com. "I just have to come here and show up and work every day. I've got to make them feel like they want me here for the remainder of my career. The only thing I can do is keep working and keep my nose clean and just do the right things. When it comes, I'll deserve it. I don't like anybody giving me anything. I like to work hard for everything I get."
Jones is not the only one needing a new contract. With Steven Jackson on the outs, breakout star Antone Smith is expected to get a contract extension. Prior to his season-ending injury, Smith was leading the Falcons in touchdowns while working off the cheapest contract. The Falcons need Smith back as both Jackson and Jacquizz Rodgers are not expected to return.
The defensive end of the ball is interesting. With Osi Umenyiora expected to retire, all eyes are on players like Sean Weatherspoon, Kroy Biermann and Corey Peters. The Falcons have not announced their intentions regarding anyone in free agency, making the coaching search a priority. That could hurt them in the long run as they will not have a lot of time before players are allowed to test the waters of free agency.