Julio Jones Contract: Latest News and Rumors on Negotiations with Falcons

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones stated in June that he currently has no plans to hold out as he prepares to enter the final year of his contract, and his agent has started negotiations with the team on a potential new deal.

D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution relayed on Aug. 9 that Falcons owner Arthur Blank stated the "team is negotiating in 'good faith'" with Jones. 

Continue for updates.    

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Blank Comments on Jones' Potential New Deal

Monday, Aug. 24

"Julio is about to sign one of the biggest deals in the NFL with us and he doesn't drive a Mercedes-Benz, so we'll have to change that," Blank said at a press conference for the unveiling of the new Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Monday.

"We are in the middle of those discussions, we expect Julio to be a lifer for the Falcons. We are moving forward and have every reason to be positive and be enthusiastic about it. We are moving as quickly as possible," Blank said on Aug. 9, per Kelsey Conway of AtlantaFalcons.com. 

"There is always a little bit of a dance when you go through this kind of situation. But we are dealing in good faith. And as I said earlier, we expect Julio to be here for his entire career," Blank concluded.

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Jones Talks Progressing Well

Friday, Aug. 14

Albert Breer of NFL Network reported the tenor of talks was "good," and noted the deal was likely to come in under $14 million per year.

On Aug. 4, Ian Rapoport (via the Falcons' official website) noted nothing is imminent but that the front office and Jones' agent, Jimmy Sexton, are in discussions.

Bleacher Report's Jason Cole reported on July 31 that Jones and the Falcons were nearing a new contract:

McClure reported on the stance of several key members of the organization on July 13:

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General manager Thomas Dimitroff told an audience of season-ticket holders and Jones himself that a lucrative deal is around the block. Well, no point in giving Jones the run-around. Owner Arthur Blank, head coach Dan Quinn and Dimitroff all have expressed a desire to keep Jones in the fold for the long haul. Plus Dimitroff said he has no lingering concerns about the foot fracture Jones suffered two seasons ago.

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Dimitroff Comments on Jones Negotiations

Thursday, Aug. 13

"[General manager] Thomas Dimitroff tells me it's the most 'professional & team-cognizant contract approach he's seen,'" noted NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, who stated there has been no further update on negotiations.

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Jones Comments on Negotiations

Monday, Aug. 10

"I want to be a Falcon for life," Jones said, per Andrew Hirsh of AtlantaFalcons.com.  

"I'm looking forward to stop getting asked about my contract, and I'm going to let my agent and team handle that," Jones added, courtesy of SiriusXM NFL Radio. "[Roddy White] taught me how to be a professional in the league, and I will never forget that."

Jones had last commented on his contract on June 17, telling ESPN's Vaughn McClure he wouldn't allow himself to be "consumed" by contract talk.

Jones is coming off a career-best season in which he tallied 104 catches for nearly 1,600 yards and six touchdowns. It was an important bounce-back campaign for the big-play receiver after missing most of the previous year with a foot injury. Jones is scheduled to make around $10.2 million in the last season of his deal, according to Spotrac.

His decision to continue getting ready for the new season with the Falcons amid contract uncertainty is the opposite of fellow superstar wideout Dez Bryant, who threatened to hold out prior to his agreement with the Dallas Cowboys.

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White Comments on Jones Talks

Friday, July 17

"If I was the GM I would get a deal done with Julio (Jones) now," wide receiver Roddy White said, according to ESPN's Josina Anderson. "I want to make sure he’s paid. That’s my guy."

“The more they wait, the more it’s going to cost them. It’s important that he feels comfortable," White continued, per Anderson. 

Common sense says the Falcons should be working hard to get a long-term deal in place with Jones. Though the franchise tag will be an option should he play out this year without an agreement, his importance is only going to grow in the years ahead.

White is showing signs of decline at age 33, and the Falcons don't have another starting-caliber receiver currently on the roster.

So getting Jones, 26, locked up to lead the group for the next handful of years should be a top priority. The fact he isn't planning to hold out lessens the urgency from Atlanta's perspective, though.