Fansided

30 highest-paid NFL players on their current contracts

By Rucker Haringey

PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 03: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs yells out against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on October 3, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 03: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs yells out against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on October 3, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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Julio Jones, Tennessee Titans
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – SEPTEMBER 19: Julio Jones #2 of the Tennessee Titans makes a catch against the Seattle Seahawks during the second quarter at Lumen Field on September 19, 2021 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) /

24 (tie). Julio Jones

The Falcons didn’t want to pay Jones $22 million in his age-32 season, but the Titans were happy to bet on the veteran wide receiver’s long run of high-level production. Pairing him with A.J. Brown was too tempting of a proposition for Tennessee to pass up.

In fairness to Atlanta, they aren’t in a position to contend so it made sense for them to part with Jones while they could still get real value for him in a trade. The Titans, in sharp contrast, believe they are ready to make a credible Super Bowl run.

Jones needs to play up to his salary if that’s going to happen for Tennesee. If he plays like a No. 1 receiver then the Titans’ offense will be nearly impossible to stop. Remember, every defense encountering Tennessee still needs to worry about stopping Derrick Henry and the run game as well.

Jones’ contract may start to look worse as he starts to lose quickness due to age-related regression, but he’s still going to be a powerful wideout who can bully opposing defenders. There’s less risk in his contract moving forward than the Falcons’ front office believed.

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