Mike Freeman of Bleacher report leaked some valuable information regarding the pending contract negotiations between the Falcons and their star wide receiver Julio Jones.
In the article, Freeman says, “My understanding is the Falcons and Jones are closing in on a deal that would pay him $20 million a year over a four- or five-year contract extension. He would get anywhere from $50 million to $60 million in new guarantees, one source told me.”
A five-year deal would make Jones the second receiver ever to sign for 100M+, the first being Larry Fitzgerald, who signed an eight-year, $120 million contract with the Arizona Cardinals. Jones’s AAV of $20 million, however, would be the most all-time for a receiver, putting him ahead of the Browns’ new toy, Odell Beckham Jr.. Beckham signed a five-year contract for $18 million annually with the Giants last offseason.
These contract negotiations are ongoing, and while nothing is official, it should be expected that Jones becomes the highest paid wide receiver. He is the best receiver in the league, on pace to be the all-time leader in receiving yards, has a current streak going of five straight seasons with over 1,400 yards receiving, missing only three games over that stretch, and has shown no signs of slowing down as he turns 30 years old. Not to mention, Jones is a consummate professional that brings it every day – on and off the field.
Last year, the six-time Pro-Bowler missed the entire offseason holding out. He still did pretty well, leading the league in receiving, but the Falcons are hoping to avoid that situation again. Inking Jones to a brand new contract could also give Atlanta more leeway to make moves this offseason.