The last thing the Atlanta Falcons need to take care of before the team reports to training camp at the end of the month is the lingering contract to Julio Jones. The wide receiver was recently named the No.13 best player in the NFL and wants to get paid like it. The issue is the holdup with other players like Dez Bryant and Demaryius Thomas who also need new contracts. While Jones is not expected to hold out, a deal for the wide receiver might not happen.
The Falcons are trying to avoid the situation the Cowboys and Broncos are in right now as their top receivers have been holding out during all offseason workouts. Thomas and Bryant are working off franchise tags and not thrilled about it. According to the Dallas Morning News, the Cowboys have re-upped contract talks with Bryant and his agent, but hope is not high that something will get accomplished before the mid-July deadline. So where does that leave Jones?
News surrounding Jones' contract has been quiet. According to general manager Thomas Dimitroff, getting Jones re-signed is a top priority, but they are also waiting to see how the market shapes up. According to Vaughn McClure of ESPN, the Falcons want to get a contract done, but they also do not want to be the first ones to pull the trigger. Regardless, Jones plans on going about his business like normal.
"I haven't been watching other people," Jones said, via ESPN.com. "All I can do is take care of me. I'm going to let [the Falcons] take care of that side of it. If they say be here at this time, I'm going to be there. I'm going to be accountable. I'm not going to hold out for anything. My teammates need me. I'm being selfish if I'm not here and doing what I need to do."
With Jones not planning on being a distraction, fans can entertain themselves with the position battles taking place once training camp begins. One of the more competitive battles will be between Tevin Coleman and Devonta Freeman. The rookie running back has been impressive since getting started in workouts, but Freeman has the experience edge. Offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan plans on running both backs like a one-two punch. There are also key battles at the safety and cornerback spots that will cause some roster moves in the future.
