As other big-name players continue to be holdouts with Week 1 of the NFL season approaching, Atlanta Falcons star receiver Julio Jones reported for camp the minute it started.
Given what we know about Jones this is not a surprise. The six-time Pro Bowler is currently playing under a below-market five-year, $71.3 million deal. He’s also had extensive talks with the Falcons about an extension that would make Jones the highest-paid receiver in the game.
In talking about the possibility of a deal getting completed ahead of this weekend’s season opener, Falcons owner Arthur Blank sounded about as optimistic as possible.
At 30 years old, Jones is not looking at a five-year deal similar to the one Michael Thomas signed with the New Orleans Saints this past offseason.
However, Jones is looking at an annual pay day north of the $19.25 million Thomas is earning on an annual basis. Something to the tune $60 million over three years seems to make the most sense.
Jones has averaged nearly 1,600 receiving yards and 100-plus catches over the past five seasons.
