With training camp just a few weeks away, the Atlanta Falcons still have some work to put in. The franchise is hoping for a big bounce-back year under the direction of first-year head coach Dan Quinn as expectations are high for the team coming off another losing record. The Falcons made several roster changes in the offseason, but could be looking for a few more before everyone reports to Flowery Branch for camp.
Julio Jones is the top priority for the Falcons after Dez Bryant and Demaryius Thomas signed long-term deals last week. According to ESPN's Vaughn McClure, the Falcons and Jones had yet to begin negotiations, but there was a good chance that a contract could be agreed upon before training camp begins. Jones is entering the final year of his contract and is expected to earn close to what both Bryant and Thomas signed which were five-year, $70 million contracts. Roddy White made it clear that the longer the Falcons wait to give Jones a contract, the more expensive he will be to the team.
"If I was the GM, I would get a deal done with Julio now," White said, via ESPN's Josina Anderson. "I want to make sure he's paid. That's my guy. The more they wait, the more it's going to cost them. It's important that (Julio) feels comfortable."
Both Jones and general manager Thomas Dimitroff have stated that the intention is to get a long-term deal done quickly. With the market officially set for wide receivers, getting Jones signed should no longer be a lingering issue. Of course the Falcons still have the franchise tag in their back pocket that can be used next offseason if things do not go well in contract talks, but both sides would like to avoid that.
Outside of signing Jones, the Falcons are still an option for other free agents, mainly Evan Mathis. After being released by the Philadelphia Eagles, Mathis has been sitting on the market with not much interest around him despite the number of Pro Bowls on his resume. Contract demands could be an issue, but the Falcons would be very wise to take a good look at him. TheFalcoholic.com makes the case for bringing on Mathis simply because the offensive line has been a big reason why the Falcons have struggled in recent years.
The Atlanta Journal Constitution reported that Joe Hawley was preparing to play the season at less than 100 percent while Chris Chester may or may not be a home run hit. Jake Matthews is coming off of an injury. Lamar Holmes is now injured. Matt Ryan has spent the past two years fighting for his life behind a spotty offensive line and the Falcons would be wise to avoid a repeat season of that.