Julio Jones will not hold out of Falcons training camp
Julio Jones does not plan to sit out training camp in hopes of a new deal. Jones and the team continue to have discussions to work towards a contract.
When the Atlanta Falcons open training camp on July 22, we can expect their top wide receiver to be there for the start of it.
In an encounter with TMZ, Jones was asked if there was any chance of him holding out in the event a contract is not agreed upon prior to the first week of training camp. Jones stated, “No, I’m not trying to hold out, I’m not trying to do any of that stuff man, just trying to be a professional and do what I do.”
A holdout of any sort would be the opposite of what Julio Jones has encompassed as a professional. Jones has frequently put the team first and he is continuing to do it as he enters the twilight of his career. This report will help to ease any fear Falcons fans may have had about Jones potentially holding out.
In the video tweeted out by TMZ Sports, Julio seemed to directly put the pressure on the Falcons and owner Arthur Blank to get something done. He reiterates “I’m doing my part at the end of the day … Mr. Blank gave us his word … that’s golden.” It’s safe to say that Jones is implying that the ball is solely in the Arthur Blank and the Falcons’ court. Both sides want it done and the expectation is that it will.
Julio Jones Says He Won't Hold Out, Arthur Blank Gave Me His Word! https://t.co/AisgCtwbWl
— TMZ Sports (@TMZ_Sports) July 8, 2019
Jones and the Falcons are in the midst of contract negotiations for the second year in a row. In 2018, Jones stated his desire for the team to rework his contract that puts him in line with the recently paid top receivers. With mere hours before the team was slated to report for camp, the team promised to revisit the contract after the season and instead agreed to move money from future years to his 2018 salary. The Falcons and Jones both realize that this tactic will not work this time around.
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In less than two weeks, expect Jones to walk through the doors at the Falcons facility in Flowery Branch with a new contract or not, ready to work as he has the past eight seasons.