First in receiving yards. First in goals. Fourth in receptions.
\nSeems like one of the greatest receivers in the NFL — and it is. Julio Jones rated in those areas in 2018, but it came at a price. And never a cost he’s overly keen on.
\nAt $14.3 million in moderate salary, Jones was the 11th-highest paid wideout in 2018, according to Spotrac. He drops to 12th among receivers in 2019 and still has two years left on his deal.
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\nStill, Jones is not too concerned about his contract status.
\n”[Falcons owner] Mr. [Arthur] Blank has spoken,” Jones stated, through The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. ”At the end of the afternoon, his word is gold. He said they are going to get something between my agency. As far as me, I just hold up my end and remain ready.”
\nTo stay ready, Jones is attending mandatory minicamp after sitting out OTAs, but isn’t fully participating. Jones sat out minicamp this past year ahead of the Falcons adjusted his bargain and guaranteed a contract extension with this offseason.
\n”I just take it easy. I’m not out here to hurry things,” Jones stated. ”A lot of times men get hurt coming back. You receive MCL, ACL and Achilles, things like that. Especially once you come out here and you’re an guy. I just need to take my time coming back into it. You merely have to get back in to it.
\n”I’ll be good to go.”
\nFalcons head coach Dan Quinn is on board with Jones’ offseason program — including not entirely participating at minicamp and bypassing OTAs.
\n”He has been here some in the offseason as well at several other times,” Quinn stated. ”Again, he’s one of those that is close to returning to playing.
\n”He’s the sort of teammate that enjoys the mentorship piece of it, and he takes that responsibility seriously to assist the group and others”<\/p>\n