Outside of the NFL Draft, the last lingering move the Atlanta Falcons must address is a contract extension for Julio Jones. As offseason workouts begin, Jones is the biggest question mark in terms of contract issues as the wide receiver has yet to ink an extension as he enters the final year of his deal. Everyone has stressed their desire to bring the wide receiver back for the long-term, so where is the contract?
According to ESPN's Vaughn McClure, Jones and the Falcons have yet to negotiate a deal. This offseason, several top wide receivers are in a similar boat as Jones as everyone awaits for someone else to make the first move. Jerry Jones told NFL.com the Dallas Cowboys are waiting to see what Jones and Demaryius Thomas ink before signing Dez Bryant. The Falcons and Denver Broncos could be taking the same approach. As the Falcons kick off offseason workouts, head coach Dan Quinn stresses he is looking to be a long-time partner with Jones.
"For me, just knowing the type of player that he is. Hopefully, we'll be connected for years to come. I can't wait to get started with him. I can't wait to partner up with him for a long time," Quinn said, via the Atlanta Journal Constitution.
The Falcons are looking at draft options, not to replace Jones, but to surround him with younger talent. Eric Weems and Roddy White do not have much longer in the league meaning the Falcons must get younger at the position. According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, the Falcons are working out options like Phillip Dorsett, Chris Conley and Jaelen Strong who are all solid option for the offense. Once they are drafted, all eyes will be on Jones' expiring contract.
With new offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan in place, the Atlanta Falcons are expecting to ramp up the passing attack. Quarterback Matt Ryan is spending an extensive amount of time with his new coach and has nothing but praise for Shanahan and the system he is bringing in for the team.
"First and foremost, he has a ton of experience," Ryan said, via the team website. "He's a young guy, but he has a ton of experience. I've enjoyed working with Kyle so far and Matt LaFleur, our quarterbacks coach, as well. I think there's been really good collaboration on the offensive side. We've got a lot of work to do, a lot of time and effort to put in. The first couple of days have been really, really good."
