By Jordan Long
Wide receiver Julio Jones of the Atlanta Falcons will not be at the start of training camp which begins on Friday. He is seeking a new contract. Jones has three years left on his current deal, including this season. He is going to be paid a base salary of $10.5 million this year, $12.5 million next year, and $11.426 million in 2020 before he hits free agency in 2021.
Jones is the top wide receiver for the Atlanta Falcons. He is in his 8th season. Quarterback Matt Ryan looks for him early and often in games because of his ability to catch the football. Jones is dangerous in the open field because he breaks tackles for long gains. In his career he has 9,054 receiving yards and an impressive yards per catch of 15.5 with 43 touchdowns.
Jones feels he should be paid as one of the highest wide receivers in the game. His average salary of $14.251 million ranks 9th in the NFL for wide receivers. The highest paid wide receiver in the NFL is Antonio Brown. Brown has played in 1 more season than Jones and has 856 receiving yards and 16 more touchdowns.
Jones is making enough money. He needs to be out there playing with his teammates. According to NBCsports.com, everyday he holds out, he is risking $40,000 in fines per day. It is not worth it for.
This seems like Jones is trying to be more important than the team. He is still under contract and this could be a contract year for him. Jones needs to be out there with his teammates practicing. This not only hurts him but also the team. If he is not on the field, he can’t prove to the Falcons he deserves a new agreement.
The Falcons are going to do what is right for the team. Fining him at least sends a message and hurts him in the pocketbook. Hopefully, this will be resolved soon.
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