Falcons know they need to pay Julio Jones big money
In a perfect world the Falcons could sign Julio Jones to a bargain contract, but GM Thomas Dimitroff knows his star receiver will get a big deal.
The Falcons aren’t necessarily worried about signing Julio Jones to a new deal anytime soon, but that doesn’t mean they are under the impression he’s going to re-sign on the cheap. Everyone associated with Atlanta understands that a big-time talent like Jones is going to require a big-time contract.
GM Thomas Dimitroff openly acknowledges the fact that wide receivers in the NFL are starting to get “unbelievable” contracts. For what it’s worth, Jones says he’s not overly concerned with becoming the highest paid wideout in the league. On the other hand, he is open about his desire to get a deal in the same neighborhood as his peers have inked in recent years.
There’s no debate as to whether or not Jones is one of the best players in the league at his position. He paced the Falcons last season with 113 catches for 1677 yards and eight touchdowns. Jones’ combination of size, speed and intricate route-running make him a nightmare for opposing cornerbacks.
The quantity of double teams he draws might be just as important as his actual production for the Falcons. The attention Jones requires from opposing secondaries does a lot to help guys like Austin Hooper, Mohamed Sanu and Calvin Ridley get open. Life without Jones isn’t something quarterback Matt Ryan and the Falcons offensive players want to contemplate.
Fortunately for them, it seems that Dimitroff keenly understands the star wide receiver’s value. His admission that the market will dictate the sort of contract Jones will receive is good news for Falcons fans. That’s not the sort of comment you make if you plan to try to low-ball your star player. Instead, it comes off as a frank admission that Dimitroff is committed to re-signing Jones at all costs.
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Falcons fans shouldn’t look for Jones to ink a new contract anytime soon, but it would be a major upset if he doesn’t end up recommitting his future to Atlanta sometime in the near future. That’s bad news for the rest of the NFC South, but great news for Ryan and company.