The Atlanta Falcons have gotten their signal caller Matt Ryan possibly locked down for the rest of his career, now it's time for Atlanta to focus on other key players. Julio Jones is one of the biggest names next in line for a new deal and it begs to wonder if Ryan's new deal will put a dent in future negotiations.
Jones is probably hands down the most dangerous receiver in the NFL, has two years left on a 5-year $71 million dollar deal he signed back in 2015. He is currently the 8th ($14.25 million) on the receiver's list in salary behind names like Sammy Watkins, Jarvis Landry, DaVante Adams just to name a few.
He holds the teams single season receptions (136 receptions) and receiving yards (1,871 Receiving yards) both set in 2015. Julio is closing in Roddy White's team record for career receiving yards (Needs 1,809 yards). Jones is a key component in the Falcons offense and if they struggle to re-sign him, it could mean a complete rebuild on offense.
Julio caused a frantic stir for the Atlanta media market after he erased his social media pictures in late April. He said in a statement that he did it for personal reasons. It's going to be a long road ahead for the 5-time Pro Bowler, but if they get through this season with no conflict, there might be light at the end of the tunnel.
Jones will be turning 31 just after the 2019 season ends and it makes you wonder if Atlanta will pay him like an Elite receiver at that age. Yes, he would have put up the numbers and hold some records, but what about the injuries he's accumulated over his career? It will have to play a factor in his next deal with the team.
Atlanta also has Pro Bowl linebacker Deion Jones due for a new deal after 2019, he will be coming off of his rookie deal and has earned a nice payday.
One thing for sure, Atlanta stays prepared when it's time to make difficult decisions, they took Calvin Ridley with their 1st round pick in the NFL Draft, so are they buckling down and preparing for the worst? The Falcons window is slowly closing and these next two seasons will be critical for Julio and Atlanta.
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