Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones is in search of a new contract with the team. Prior to the 2019 season, the two sides appear to be close.
Julio Jones was the league's receiving leader in 2018, catching 113 balls for 1,677 yards and eight touchdowns. The Falcons signed a five-year deal in 2015. Considering his elite level of play, the team absolutely needs to do everything it can to keep him around. Jones has done everything to deserve a new contract; he has proved he can play consecutive seasons at full health and an elite level.
The Falcons have been fortunate enough to get Jones at full health for the last two seasons. He has not disappointed, leading the team's aerial assault in nearly every category. Although Jones has surprisingly had a tough time finding the end zone in recent years, the eight touchdowns he accounted for in 2018 marked a substantial improvement from the three he caught in 2017. Jones had his best season in 2015. He had career highs in targets (203), receptions (136), yards (1,871), and yards per game (116.9).
Atlanta will always possess a lot of potential on offense with Julio Jones on the team. Quarterback Matt Ryan trusts Jones more than any other pass-catcher on the team. Ryan targets Jones more than anyone else on the Falcons' offense. The connection could be even scarier with offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter returning to the team. Koetter was with the team for the start of Jones' career and led him to his best touchdown total of his career in 2012 with 10 touchdowns. The 2019 season could be one of Jones' best. Although the 1,871-yard mark might not be duplicated, it's likely the Falcons have big plans for Jones next season.