The Atlanta Falcons are hoping to have receiver Julio Jones and defensive tackle Grady Jarrett both back in the fold soon. Both star players have been staying away from the team during the voluntary portion of the offseason as they seek new contracts.

Speaking to the media recently, Falcons coach Dan Quinn said the team was expecting to have Jones for mandatory minicamp, but they were less sure about Jarrett's status, per Jeff Schultz of The Athletic. He implied that Jones has told the organization he'll be showing up, but that he hasn't talked to Jarrett:

“I don’t know that yet. I anticipate he will. He hasn’t told me he’s not,” Quinn said of his key defensive piece.

The Falcons are heading into a pivotal season, and could use both players on hand. The Falcons are now a couple years removed from their Super Bowl run, and last season was very disappointing. Injuries were partially to blame, but Quinn's seat is undeniably hot entering this season.

If Quinn fails to make the playoffs again, he'll likely be looking for a new job. We've been hearing for months now that the team was closing in on an extension with Jones, but nothing ever materialized. Jarrett has blossomed into one of the league's top interior linemen, and he's one of the best run-stoppers in the NFL.

Both players are due for massive paydays, and it should only be a matter of time before the Falcons cut the check. Both players were very reliable last season, and Jarrett was one of the only consistent players on defense. It's a good sign that Jones, who missed some of the mandatory practices last offseason, is planning on reporting.

Hopefully, at least for the Falcons' sake, Jarrett will do the same.