With free agency and the NFL Draft officially wrapped up, the Atlanta Falcons must turn their attention to the next big issue facing the team, Julio Jones' contract. The wide receiver is preparing to enter the final year of his rookie contract after his fifth-year option was picked up last season and the Falcons are fully committed to having the former first-round pick around for the long-term. After neglecting negotiations up until now in the offseason, will Atlanta get a deal done before the season starts?
According to general manager Thomas Dimitroff via ESPN.com, the Falcons are now making Jones and his contract a priority in order to get a deal done before the season starts and eliminate the distraction of negotiations. Both parties have stated previously they intend to come to an agreement and now Dimitroff is ready to prove that.
"There is no question that our focus in the future will be on Julio Jones and where we are," Dimitroff said, via ESPN.com. "I don't want to get into specifics about the timing of that, obviously. But now that the draft is over and we continue to build this football team, we understand that Julio is a very important part of our building and evolving as a championship-type team."
There is no question that Jones has been a critical piece to the Falcon' offense and Matt Ryan's success. He will likely command a contract that mirrors what Calvin Johnson is earning. The Detroit wide receiver is currently making $16 million per season. The issue for Jones will likely be with the guaranteed money as the receiver has dealt with his share of injuries. Jones has had issues with his foot, suffering a season ending injury in 2013. He had hip problems in the final few games of last year as well.
The Falcons could be waiting for the market to set itself. Several top wide receivers are waiting for contract extensions as teams are looking to see who signs first. Dez Bryant, Demaryius Thomas and AJ Green are all in need of deals like Jones and whoever signs first will set the bar for the rest of the players. The Falcons are not looking to wait around the market and want a contract finalized sooner rather than later.
Jones must remain in Atlanta. Right now, the wide receiver is the best option on the field for Ryan. Roddy White, Eric Weems and Devin Hester are all on the back half of their careers. Prior to the NFL Draft, Jones was the only receiver under 30. The Falcons selected Justin Hardy in Round 4 out of East Carolina. He is expected to take the spot of Harry Douglas who left in free agency. White is entering the final two years of his contract before retirement becomes an option. Re-signing Jones will be critical to help easy that transition.
