The Atlanta Falcons and Julio Jones are waiting patiently. The wide receiver would ideally like to get a new contract extension before the start of the 2015 season, but the Falcons cannot get a deal done before other wide receivers start to sign. All eyes are currently on Dez Bryant and the Dallas Cowboys who are preparing to set the market before the July 15th deadline. If Bryant gets his contract in the coming days, is Jones next?
According to CBSSports.com, the Cowboys and Bryant have been working towards a contract over the past few days. Many believed a deal could have gotten done over July 4th weekend, but there were no reports of talks progressing. Everyone reportedly remains confident that things will work out prior to the deadline. Bryant has already threaten to hold out for a lengthy period of time should he be forced to sign his $12.832 million franchise tag. Mike Fisher of CBSDFW.com is reporting that a new deal for the wide receiver could span seven years and reach over $100 million.
The Atlanta Falcons are keeping close watch on the negotiations for Bryant. According to Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com, the Falcons are hopeful to get Jones signed, but are in no rush to be the first ones to set the market. Jones is playing off the final year of his contract with the Falcons and made it clear he has no plans of holding out in training camp simply because he wants to win.
"I haven't been watching other people," Jones said, via ESPN.com. "All I can do is take care of me. I'm going to let [the Falcons] take care of that side of it. If they say be here at this time, I'm going to be there. I'm going to be accountable. I'm not going to hold out for anything. My teammates need me. I'm being selfish if I'm not here and doing what I need to do."
The Bryant contract will be the first domino to fall in terms of the wide receiver market. Jones, Bryant, Demaryius Thomas and AJ Green are looking to become the next top paid athletes in the league. The question is just how much that number is. Calvin Johnson currently holds the top spot for wide receivers after inking a seven-year, $113 million contract with $48 million in guaranteed money. This class of wide receivers could earn more.