Getty Atlanta WR Julio Jones
The Atlanta Falcons and their star wide receiver are closing in on a contract extension worth around 3-years and roughly $66 Million. The likely extension will make Jones the highest paid wideout in all the NFL.
The #Falcons and star WR Julio Jones are finalizing a multi-year extension that will make him the NFL’s highest-paid receiver, per league sources. Minor issues still to work out, but should be done today.💰💰💰
With a new contract, Jones will jump New Orleans Saints wideout and division rival Michael Thomas as the most wealthy pass catcher in all of football. Thomas held the honors for all of a month and a few days. Per league sources, the contract between Atlanta and Jones should be completed today, as there are just a few minor details to iron out.
Sweeter With Honey
While embattled Oakland Raiders (Maybe?) wide receiver Antonio Brown grabs headlines day in and day out for all the wrong reasons, Jones goes about his business as he has his whole career, as a true professional.
For years, star wide receivers have combined ultra production on the football field, with just as much off the field drama. While players like Terrell Owens, Odell Beckham Jr., and a plethora of other talented wideouts have circulated the NFL, as more and more NFL franchises drew thin on patience with their antics, Julio will be entering his 9th season in the NFL, all with Atlanta.
If the contract comes out to the reported numbers above, Julio will eclipse $152 Million in career earnings.
Paid as Elite, Plays as Elite
It’s hard to argue this extension on any end. Atlanta’s Super Bowl window is minimal at best, while extending Jones for a minuscule three years allows Atlanta’s window to stay open while not committing to an over-the-hill type player.
Julio Jones is the type of wide receiver you would build in a lab if you could hand pick every feature about the player. Building your dream wideout would likely go something like this “I’ll have Julio’s frame, Julio’s speed, and you know what, give me Julio’s hands while we’re at it“.
While some potentially worry that he may not perform to his contract as it approaches its completion, I’d say hedge your bets.
Standing at 6’3, weighing in at 220 lbs. and running in the low 4.3s, Jones is a specimen amongst all-world athletes. Jones, who turned 30 in February, has shown no signs of slowing down. Instead, the all-pro seems to be getting better with time.
Julio Jones enjoyed one of his most prolific seasons to date in 2018 at the ripe age of 29. Jones led the entire NFL in receiving yards with 1,677, the second most in his extravagant career. However, Jones didn’t stop there.
The biggest knock on Jones during his career was his inability to find the end zone, understandable considering he’s only eclipsed nine-plus receiving touchdowns just once in his career. The beginning of 2018 didn’t silence those doubts, as he went seven whole weeks without scoring a touchdown. However, Jones returned from a week-eight bye with a vengeance and went on his most prolific touchdown tear of his career. Jones scored eight touchdowns in the last nine games of the season, including five touchdowns over the final four games.
If there is any wide receiver deserving of a massive contract extension it is Julio Jones. The quintessential professional has the production in the past to warrant a big pay day, and a trajectory that projects excellence over the duration of the contract.
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