The Atlanta Falcons have locked up perhaps their most prolific pass catcher for the forseeable future.
Multiple outlets are reporting that Julio Jones has signed an extension with the team that originally drafted him in 2011. The deal is for five years and worth $71.25 million total with $47 million in guaranteed money. Jones was due to make $10.16 million in 2015 after the Falcons picked up a fifth-year option on him when his original rookie deal expired at the conclusion of last season.
Julio Jones and Falcons have agreed to a new 5-year contract worth $71.250 million and $47 million guaranteed. Team about to announce.
— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) August 29, 2015
The 26-year-old is one of many high profile wide receivers to have signed big-money contracts recently. His deal actually exceeds the value of the five-year $70 million deals signed by both Demaryius Thomas of the Broncos and Dez Bryant of the Dallas Cowboys. Those two were initially given the franchise tag by their respective franchises but eventually were able to work out long-term extensions.
Jones has certainly emerged as one of Falcons’ quarterback Matt Ryan’s favorite targets. With the exception of 2013 when he missed 11 games due to a broken foot, he’s finished in the top two among Atlanta receivers in reception yards and touchdown catches. 2014 was his best year yardage-wise as he finished with 1,593 yards receiving which was good enough for third best in the league behind only Thomas and the Steelers’ Antonio Brown. He also added six touchdowns.
The former Alabama Crimson Tide product joins veteran wideout Roddy White, explosive kick return specialist Devin Hester and recently acquired tight end Jacob Tamme (formerly with the Broncos) as Ryan’s primary go-to pass catchers. Rookie Justin Hardy, selected in the fourth round of the 2015 NFL Draft, should also figure into the equation as regards the passing game.
New head coach Dan Quinn and offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan have the pieces in place. The key now will be to assert themselves in a very winnable NFC South after a few mediocre seasons that resulted in them being brought in to turn things around in the first place.
Main Photo:
