Julio Jones has stressed that he intends to remain with the Atlanta Falcons for many years to come. The Atlanta Falcons have stressed they aim to extend their relationship with Jones for many years to come. However, as the official offseason approaches and Jones prepares to enter the final year of his contract, the two sides have yet to begin contract negotiations. Jones has been the best offensive performer for the Falcons especially since the departure of Tony Gonzalez and yet the team is stalling on giving him what is expected to be a big contract.
According to Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com, the Falcons and Jones have not begun contract negotiations. The two sides opted not to talk last year as Atlanta worked to get Roddy White a contract extension, but have not started discussing terms yet this year either. Atlanta did exercise the fifth-year option on Jones which will pay him just above $10 million this upcoming season and then the receiver will be a free agent in 2016 where he will require either an extension or franchise tag.
Everyone from owner Arthur Blank to new head coach Dan Quinn have expressed their love for Jones and desire to keep him around so it is concerning they have not met to begin contract talks.
"The things I've heard about him, just in terms of the leader he's become on and off the field, can't wait to connect with him," Quinn said, via ESPN.com. "For me, just to have the chance to start the process with him, I can't wait. ... We love great players, and we want to celebrate all the good guys that we have. We're trying to collect more great players, not the other way around."
The idea of re-signing Jones to a high-priced contract is actually controversial amongst the Falcons fanbase considering how many holes Atlanta needs to fill on the roster. Yes, the wide receiver has been injury plagued during his tenure in Atlanta, but he is also the team's biggest weapon after putting up 1,593 receiving yards in 2014, setting a franchise record. At just 26, he is the youngest receiver on the roster and one Atlanta would be wise to keep around.
The Falcons are being linked to wide receivers in the NFL Draft, but more so because they need to start grooming Roddy White's replacement, not Jones'. There are ways to make room for Jones' contract and not have it break the bank. The team will likely release players like Steven Jackson and could do the same to someone like Harry Douglas, while handing out more team-friendly deals to players like Sean Weatherspoon and Kroy Biermann. The idea that the Falcons let Jones walk away in a year seems crazy, but so far Atlanta is showing no urgency on getting things done.
