Matt Ryan, Julio Jones' Falcons Futures Remain Undetermined, Says Arthur Smith

Matt Ryan and Julio Jones are two of the greatest players in Atlanta Falcons history, but their future with the franchise remains uncertain.

Speaking to Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio, new Falcons head coach Arthur Smith said the organization is still in the process of going over the roster to determine the best path forward:

"No decision with personnel has been made right now. It's just so early. ... We're just not gonna make any snap judgments. There is a long process. We've got to get in here with staffs. We've got to go through every guy on this roster. And we're gonna take our time. There's no decision that has to be made today. And that's for everybody, it's not Matt and Julio, it's every player on this roster."

The status of Ryan and Jones has been a subject of speculation going back to the regular season. Team owner Arthur Blank told reporters earlier this month that he wouldn't stand in the way of the front office if they wanted to move either one of the franchise stalwarts. 

Terry Fontenot was hired as Atlanta's general manager on Tuesday. The 40-year-old spent the past 18 seasons working with the New Orleans Saints. He was their assistant general manager and vice president of pro personnel in 2020 after seven seasons as director of pro personnel. 

Smith takes over as Falcons head coach after spending the past two seasons as offensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans. 

Ryan and Jones have sizable contracts that could make them difficult to move. Ryan has a $40.9 million cap hit in 2021. Jones comes with a $23.05 million cap figure next season. Both players are signed through the 2023 season. 

Injuries limited Jones to nine games last season, but he still finished with 771 receiving yards on 51 receptions. Ryan led the NFL with 407 completions and 626 attempts. The 35-year-old finished fourth in the league with 4,581 passing yards and tied for 12th with 26 touchdowns. 

The Falcons finished last in the NFC South for the first time since 2007 with a 4-12 record.