As has been the case throughout his entire career, star Atlanta Falcons receiver Julio Jones sits in the background without saying a word while other players at his position make all the news.
That has included Antonio Brown forcing a trade from the Pittsburgh Steelers and the blockbuster Odell Beckham Jr. swap this offseason.
Meanwhile, it looks like Jones is going to soon become the NFL’s highest-paid receiver.
On the heels of reports suggesting a record-breaking extension, Falcons owner Arthur Blank noted this week during the NFL meetings in Arizona that the two sides are making progress on a long-term pact.
“I would give you the same answer for Grady (Jarrett) as well as Julio (Jones), which I know is a question for our fans and something we definitely want to get done,” Blank said, via the team’s official website. “These are two incredible athletes and great players, and great team players, great with other players on the roster.”
Any new deal for Jones would have to surpass the five-year, $90 million contract Beckham signed with his then-Giants team last August. When taking into account inflation, we’re probably looking at a deal north of $20 million annually — albeit shorter than OBJ’s contract.
Jones, 30, has more than earned it. The six-time Pro Bowler tallied 113 receptions for a league-high 1,677 yards and eight touchdowns this past season.