Falcons GM: We'll Take Care of Julio Jones Contract; Targets Grady Jarrett Deal

Atlanta Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff has his sights set on retaining some of his team's key players.

According to William McFadden of the Falcons' official website, Dimitroff said Thursday that the organization will "take care of business" regarding an extension for wide receiver Julio Jones. He added that there are "no worries" when it comes to whether they'll lock Jones in long term.

Jones is currently signed through 2020.

Per ESPN.com's Vaughn McClure, Dimitroff also said that extending defensive tackle Grady Jarrett is a "top priority."

Jarrett can become a free agent this offseason.

The 29-year-old Jones is coming off one of his best NFL seasons, as he hauled in 113 receptions for 1,677 yards and eight touchdowns.

Jones was named a Pro Bowler for the fifth year in a row and sixth time overall, and he is likely to receive his third career nod as a first-team All-Pro.

Per Spotrac, Jones is set to earn just over $21 million in total cash between the 2019 and 2020 seasons.

Jones held out briefly ahead of the team's 2018 training camp, but he reported after nearly $4.5 million of his salary was converted into a bonus.

Given his status as an elite NFL wide receiver, he is in line for a significant bump in compensation, and Dimitroff's comments suggest it could come soon.

Jarrett, 25, has develop into one of Atlanta's most important defensive players since getting selected in the fifth round of the 2015 NFL draft out of Clemson.

He has been a starter for each of the past three seasons and is coming off a career year that saw him rack up 52 tackles, three forced fumbles and a career-high six sacks in 14 games.

Jarrett tied for second on the team in sacks in 2018 behind only Takkarist McKinley's seven.

While Jarrett provided massive value under his rookie contract, the Falcons will likely be forced to pony up big money in order to keep him.

If Atlanta can't find a way to re-sign Jarrett, then Jack Crawford and Deadrin Senat will be the top starting options at defensive tackle among players who are under contract.

The Falcons went a disappointing 7-9 in 2018, but there is still a ton of talent remaining from a team that nearly won the Super Bowl in 2016 and then reached the second round of the playoffs in 2017.

Jones and Jarrett are two key players in that regard, and getting back to the playoffs in 2019 may, in part, rely on keeping them in the fold.