The Atlanta Falcons reported to training camp with one box still left unchecked from their offseason to-do list. While the team made significant upgrades in both the NFL Draft and in free agency, one task has yet to be complete. Julio Jones remains without a long-term extension as he prepares to play out the final year of his rookie contract. While news has been quiet about whether or not Atlanta will get a deal done before the season, Jones told the media that the Falcons and his agent are working things out now.
It was assumed the Falcons would try and get a deal for Jones quickly after both Dez Bryant and Demaryius Thomas signed contracts worth five years and $70 million that included over $40 million in guaranteed money. ESPN's Vaughn McClure reported that while negotiations had yet to begin, many believed a contract could be agreed upon by training camp. That was not the case, but Jones confirmed that his agent and the Falcons are in discussions.
"I don't know," Jones said, via ESPN.com. "I haven't talked to [the Falcons]. My agent [Jimmy Sexton] and the Falcons obviously have been talking. I haven't been talking. I talked to DQ [coach Dan Quinn] earlier. Me and him are on the same page. He just needs me to be the leader I am and to continue to keep working hard and take care of what I can take care of."
Jones made it very clear that he has no plans on holding out. He was a full participant in offseason workouts and has already reported in for training camp. Both Matt Ryan and Roddy White have stressed that the Falcons simply need to pay the receiver before he has a big year and costs more money. According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, Jones could earn upwards of $12.75 million per season if negotiations go right.
Outside of Jones' contract situation, the Falcons have several players fighting for spots on the depth chart. Robert Alford and Kemal Ishmael will be battling for spots in the secondary. Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman are competing to start at running back. Vic Beasley is looking to prove he can be an immediate impact player while Ra'Shede Hageman looks to capitalize off the preseason hype around him.