Julio Jones, Falcons Agree on New Contract: Latest Details, Comments, Reaction

The Atlanta Falcons traded a lot of draft assets to select Julio Jones. He has lived up to the hype enough to warrant a huge payday ahead of the prime of his NFL career. 

Sports Illustrated's Peter King reported Saturday that Jones and the Falcons agreed to terms on a new five-year deal. ESPN's Chris Mortensen reported the deal is worth $71.25 million, with $47 million guaranteed. 

The Falcons followed up by formally announcing the agreement. 

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Falcons set a Saturday deadline to agree to terms, and the two sides did just that. 

The Falcons traded five draft picks to Cleveland to choose Jones No. 6 overall in the 2011 draft. Although mixed results followed thereafter, Jones' potential and upside were undeniable.

Jones appeared to be losing leverage in negotiating his financial future when he played in just five games in 2013 because of a broken right foot—the same foot he needed surgery to repair prior to his 2011 NFL Scouting Combine.

But then Jones bounced back in a big way with a career year in 2014, hauling in 104 receptions for 1,593 yards and six touchdowns.

Team owner Arthur Blank essentially promised in early August that Jones would be paid soon enough, per the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's D. Orlando Ledbetter:

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We’re moving as quickly as we can. The player has been fabulous. He came into camp in great shape. He’s working all-out. There is no hesitation or question on his part. We are working with a very professional agent, who actually understands the business. He actually handled the last two wide receivers contracts, which helps a good bit.

"

It was only a matter of time before Jones got a deal done to stay in Atlanta despite having one year still left on his rookie contract.

Scott Pianowski of Yahoo Sports felt Jones' injury risk was being criticized too much before Saturday's deal went down:

Scott Cunningham/Getty Images

Roddy White is nearing the end of his playing days, so the Falcons needed to lock up their unquestionable No. 1 wideout in Jones for the long haul. With a franchise quarterback in Matt Ryan to throw him the ball, Jones should continue to be productive and among the NFL's elite pass-catchers as long as he can stay on the field.

New play-caller Kyle Shanahan is known for a zone-blocking running scheme. An improved rushing attack would do wonders to open up explosive plays for Ryan and Jones. The combo still hooked up on a regular basis in 2014 with the NFL's 24th-ranked run game.

Whatever the circumstances, Jones has demonstrated he has the skills to be a premier playmaker for years to come. If the Falcons are more balanced on offense and new coach Dan Quinn helps the defense, Atlanta could be in for a huge resurgence in the coming years.