A relaxed Julio Jones met with the media Wednesday afternoon in a post-practice news conference, seemingly unfazed about negotiations on a new contract or his ability to regain his full speed after an offseason foot procedure.
“I’m in a great place,” Jones, the Atlanta Falcons All-Pro wide receiver said.
All along, Jones has maintained he trusts owner Arthur Blank’s commitment to a new contract. General manager Thomas Dimitroff told ESPN that he doesn’t anticipate any complications with a contract.
“We have the utmost faith that Julio is coming here and he’s taking care of his business while he’s here, and we’ll keep plugging away with (Jones’ agent) Jimmy (Sexton),” Dimitroff told ESPN on Tuesday. “I’m confident (the deal) will get done.”
Jones has two years and $21 million remaining on his contract. Due to a league technicality, he cannot sign a new contract until July 27.
Odell Beckham Jr. of the Cleveland Browns is the league’s highest-paid wide receiver at an average of $18 million per season. Jones is No. 12 on the wide receiver list.
In 2018, Jones led the NFL with 1,677 receiving yards. He caught 113 passes, eight of them for touchdowns.
