The Atlanta Falcons are hoping to turn things around during the upcoming 2015 NFL season after a disappointing year last season. They finished last year at 6-10, and never looked like legitimate playoff contenders in the NFC. Julio Jones once again had a very solid all-around season, and is now looking to get a new deal with the Falcons locked up.
During the 2014 season with the Falcons, Jones ended up catching 104 passes for 1,593 yards and six touchdowns. He proved again that he is among the NFL’s best wide receivers, and is the focal point and main playmaker for the Atlanta offense.
One thing is for sure, and that is the fact that the Falcons have to get him locked up to a long-term contract soon.
At just 26 years old, Jones still has plenty of seasons left to dominate opposing defenses. He combines amazing speed to go along with even more amazing athleticism and toughness. There aren’t many defensive backs that can come close to beating him out in a jump ball situation, and even fewer that can stay with him due to his impressive route-running ability.
While the Falcons don’t necessarily have to sign him long-term before the season, it would be the best move for them. Getting that side of things done and being able to focus on the 2015 season would be easiest for Jones, and the Falcons wouldn’t have to worry about getting something done after the season. He is going to ask for a good amount of money, but he is more than deserving of a new contract.
Looking at the Falcons’ roster on paper, there is no question that they should take the next step and be a very dangerous team in the NFC South. They are going to be competing very closely with the Carolina Panthers in particular this season, and definitely have the talent to beat them out in they play up to their full potential.
All of that being said, it will be very interesting to follow these two parties as the talks continue forward. It is very obvious that Falcons’ owner Arthur Blank wants a new deal done with Jones, and went so far as to say that he expects Jones to finish his career with the Falcons as well.
Falcons owner Arthur Blank said he expects Julio to be a lifer for the Falcons
— vaughn mcclure (@vxmcclure23) August 9, 2015
Expect to see talks heat up between these two sides, and don’t be surprised if something gets done before the season. If they aren’t able to reach a deal, then it would be reasonable to expect something to get done very early on next offseason.
