Just because Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones is skipping mandatory mini-camp, there’s no reason to panic just yet over his status
There aren’t many receivers that can even claim to be better than Julio Jones. He’s been a huge weapon for the Atlanta Falcons ever since they moved up to secure his services in the 2011 NFL Draft.
Not only has been great on the field, but Jones has been a model citizen off it as well. That may be why it’s been so hard for Falcons fans to have to sit back and watch the recent news around their All-Pro wide receiver.
For anyone who has missed it, Jones desires a new deal. The reason for this is because the five-year, $71.2 million extension he signed in 2015 now feels outdated.
Other players have been getting significantly more, while not offering the same resume as Jones. Really, it’s all simple business as he’s just trying to maximize his earning power while he has it. The most recent news changes nothing and shouldn’t lead to panic, even if that’s the first instinct.
Jones now apparently plans to sit out of mandatory mini-camps as he hopes to get a new deal. This isn’t ideal, but it’s still unchanged from before. Jones isn’t going anywhere and is just trying to prove he’s serious about wanting to get his money.
While the Falcons haven’t typically re-done deals with as much time remaining on them as Jones, they also haven’t had a player like him come out and make such a demand. Still just 29 years old, Jones is No. 2 all-time in receptions (585) and yards (9,054) for Falcons receivers. He’s also No. 4 in touchdowns with 43.
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He claims he wants to stay with the team and we know they want him. Eventually the two will come to an agreement and Jones will be back well before the season starts.
It still isn’t time to panic as this will eventually play itself out.