FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga.- – Since the end of mini-camp, the news surrounding the Falcons has been when wide receiver Julio Jones would get the long-term contract extension that has supposedly been coming his way. On Thursday, the team reported to the facility for the start of camp on Friday and Jones is still keeping the same tone that he’s had all along regarding the new deal.
“Same mindset baby,” Jones said. “I’m just here to work.”
During the summer, fellow playmaking wide receivers Demaryius Thomas of the Denver Broncos and Dez Bryant with the Dallas Cowboys both got huge deals. The former Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket/Dublin West Laurens product got a five year, $70 million dollar contract from Denver. Bryant was rewarded with the same exact deal.
As of right now, the Falcons playmaker is scheduled to bring in just over $10 million in the option year of his rookie contract. But could they get a deal done soon? Jones is focused on his job alone.
“I don’t know,” Jones said. “I haven’t talked to them. My agent (Jimmy Sexton/CAA Sports) and the Falcons have obviously been talking. I talked to DQ (head coach Dan Quinn) earlier. Me and him are on the same page. He just needs me to be the leader I am, just continue to keep working hard and take care of what I can take care of.”
The Falcons are definitely hoping to keep the receiver who has racked up 278 catches for 4,330 yards and 26 touchdowns during his career. 104 of those catches came last season, with 1,593 yards and six touchdowns.
Jones was entering training camp last year after injuring his foot in 2013 that cost him to miss the rest of the season after their week five Monday Night Football loss to the New York Jets inside the Georgia Dome.
This year, Jones says he’s in great shape physically and ready to attack training camp.
“Feeling great,” Jones said. “Been here working up here in Flowery Branch. I’ve been running hills and doing little things to get back to the old me that I couldn’t do because of last year with the foot injury. I wasn’t able to have an offseason like I wanted to.”
If history is any reminder, Jones could be in for a huge pay day within the next 24 hours. In 2013, quarterback Matt Ryan was rewarded with a five year contract worth over $103 million dollars. Veteran wide receiver Roddy White was given a three year extension for $18 million.
Now, we’re just in a wait and see mode.
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