It is no secret that there have been some disagreements between the Atlanta Falcons and star wide receiver Julio Jones over his desire for a new contract. However, Cincinnati Bengals wideout A.J. Green supports Jones' endeavor.
Jones has been absent for the team's offseason portion of practices. According to D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Green does not blame Jones for his holdout:
“(He’s) got to do what he’s got to do, man,” Green said. “The NFL stands for ‘Not For Long,’ so you got to get it while it lasts.”
There is plenty of truth to Green's comments. Given the physicality of the sport and the lack of guaranteed money, players can quickly find themselves out of a job due to injury. Star players like Jones and Green have certainly earned some long-term financial security.
Both players signed lucrative contract extensions prior to the 2015 campaign. Jones inked a five-year, $71 million deal while Green got a four-year, $60 million contract. It is clear that the former is looking to take advantage of the historic contracts being drawn up as of late.
Jones is currently the eighth highest-paid wideout in the league despite being widely regarded as the best pass-catcher in the league. He is likely looking for a new deal that is similar to Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown's. Pittsburgh gave Brown the richest deal in NFL history for a wide receiver last year when he agreed to a four-year, $68 million contract.
Green would love to his fellow peers get paid because it will eventually raise the market for himself as well.
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