Atlanta Falcons star wide receiver Julio Jones made good on his word by reporting to training camp on Monday.
Jones wants a new contract that will make him the highest-paid receiver in NFL history. Throughout the entire offseason, it seemed like something would get done on that end.
But as the Falcons reported to camp, Jones remains without a contract. The good news here is that Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff is confident a new deal will get done before Week 1.
“We have the utmost faith that Julio is coming here and he’s taking care of his business while he’s here, and we’ll keep plugging away with (Jones’ agent) Jimmy (Sexton),” Dimitroff said, via ESPN. “We have a very good working relationship and respect for Jimmy Sexton and CAA, and I’m confident (the deal) will get done.”
Jones, 30, currently has two years remaining on his contract at a combined base salary of $20.03 million. Needless to say, he’s vastly underpaid.
The six-time Pro Bowler is averaging 105 receptions for nearly 1,600 yards over the past five seasons. Any long-term deal would surpass the $18 million annual salary Odell Beckham Jr. is earning with the Cleveland Browns.