Julio Jones Extension a Win-Win for Both Sides Entering 2015

An NFL contract isn't a reward for what a player previously accomplished during his career. Instead, it's an investment based on future projections. 

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones is on the precipice of becoming the game's most dominant wide receiver. The organization decided now is the perfect time to reach a long-term deal with its rising star. 

Jones and the Falcons agreed to a five-year, $71.25 million contract extension Saturday, according to ESPN's Chris Mortensen. The extension includes $47 million in guaranteed money. 

"Julio represents everything I love about football," head coach Dan Quinn told Mortensen.

The wide receiver also represents something more: a potential resurgence of the Falcons' high-flying offense.

Three years ago, the Falcons featured a top-10 offense on their way to a 13-3 record, an NFC South division tile and an NFC Championship Game appearance. A year later, the unit slipped to 14th overall in total offense. 

The group improved to eighth overall last season, but two things happened along the way after an explosive start that sputtered toward a 6-10 overall record. 

First, the team's offensive line was beset by injuries. At one point, the team's starting tight end, Levine Toilolo, played an entire half at right tackle.

Also, Jones suffered a hip injury toward the end of a 259-yard career performance against the Green Bay Packers. With the NFC South hanging in the balance, Jones wasn't available the following week against the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the Falcons fell, 27-20. 

While the injury only cost Jones one game, a bigger problem came into focus: The wide receiver has yet to start a full 16-game slate during his career. 

Season	Games	Catches	Yards	YPC	Touchdowns
2011	13	54	959	17.8	8
2012	16	79	1,198	15.2	10
2013	5	41	580	14.1	2
2014	15	104	1,593	15.3	6

Jones entered the league with concerns over an injured foot, a foot he re-injured two years later and cost him 11 games during the 2013 season.

Despite his immense physical talent, injury concerns continue to follow him. Thus, the opportunity to become the NFL's second-highest-paid wide receiver in both total contract value and guaranteed money was the logical choice, as opposed to holding out for more money. 

And this is where the Falcons actually made out on the deal. 

The Detroit Lions' Calvin Johnson signed a seven-year, $113.45 million contract prior to the 2012 season. Jones is prepared to surpass Megatron as the NFL's most intimidating wide receiver. 

Johnson's production dipped each of the past two seasons, and the massive target will turn 30 years old next month. Jones, meanwhile, continues to ascend after he posted career bests with 104 receptions for 1,593 yards in 2014. 

In fact, the former sixth overall pick produced more yards per game through his first four seasons than any other wide receiver in NFL history, per Football Outsiders' Scott Kacsmar: 

Jones could be even better in Kyle Shanahan's new offensive scheme, which relies heavily on the team's X-receiver. The Alabama product can expect even more targets despite quarterback Matt Ryan targeting him 164 times last season.  

Simply put: Shanahan loves to feed his talented wide receivers. 

Year	Team	Player	Targets
2008	Texans	Andre Johnson	170
2009	Texans	Andre Johnson	170
2010	Redskins	Santana Moss	146
2011	Redskins	Jabar Gaffney	115
2012	Redskins	Pierre Garcon	67
2013	Redskins	Pierre Garcon	184
2014	Browns	Andrew Hawkins	113

And Jones is ready to feed on NFL cornerbacks with the Falcons' supporting cast lacking, since Roddy White required elbow surgery Monday. The team's leading receiver expects his counterpart to return early in the season, though, per ESPN.com's Vaughn McClure: 

"

I think it was in and out, just a scope. I think he's going to recover. He's going to do great. It was just some freak thing that occurred to him. I'm not a doctor, so I really don't know all what's going on with him. But when it's the first (surgery) for anyone, somebody's going to be uncomfortable.

I think he's going to pull through. ... I think Roddy will be Roddy in Week 1.

"

That minor setback is another excuse to expand Jones' role. White turns 34 years old this season and already ceded his No. 1 target status in the offense to Jones a year ago. The surgery may not be major, but it creates even more opportunities for Jones if White misses any time during the regular season. 

Atlanta also lacks a dynamic option at tight end with veteran Jacob Tamme and Toilolo projected as its starting duo. Shanahan's offense relies heavily on the position, but its targets, or lack thereof, will likely be thrust upon Jones. 

Everything is pointing toward a monster season for the Falcons' new $71 million man. The 26-year-old's presence in Atlanta will only continue to grow as he enters the prime of his career. 

"We expect Julio to be a lifer for the Falcons," owner Arthur Blank told reporters.

Brent Sobleski covers the NFL and NFL draft for Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter @brentsobleski.