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Despite not having an extension in place, wide receiver Julio Jones still showed up to Atlanta Falcons training camp on time and in shape. The coaching staff in Atlanta has been appreciative of how he's remained “humble” amidst his contract talks.
Per D. Orlando Ledbetter in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
“I think it’s because of the player,” Falcons coach Dan Quinn said. “His relationship with his teammates. His humility. With the guys, he’s not let it become a distraction to anybody else.”
Since prior to training camp in 2018, Jones has been seeking a long-term extension from the team that selected with the sixth overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. Last year, the Falcons All-Pro wideout held out for a few practices before finally showing up to training camp.
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As for this year, contract talks have been ongoing but a deal has yet to get done. Despite a deal not being completed, Jones has remained confident that Arthur Blank will stay true to his word.
Jones' next contract will likely eclipse the deal that Michael Thomas recently received from the New Orleans Saints. And deservedly so. The Falcons receiver has made things easier on Dan Quinn and the coaching staff by handling his contract situation as good as you could expect him to.
In the past five seasons, the dominant receiver has averaged 105 receptions, 1,599 yards, and six touchdowns per season. Along with those stats, Jones has cemented his name in the record books by averaging 96.7 yards per game in his career (most in NFL history).
At 30 years old, Jones has already said he is aiming for 3,000 yards receiving in 2019. The Falcons would be smart to reward their veteran receiver before his asking price rises even higher.
