Falcons Hope To Extend Julio Jones Before Week 1

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The Atlanta Falcons still hope to sign wide receiver Julio Jones to a contract extension before Week 1, according to D. Orlando Ledbetter.

“I would hope so, but I don’t know that,” Falcons owner Arthur Blank told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Monday regarding a new contract for his star wide receiver. “We’ll have to let things take their course. I know that we are definitely in serious negotiations. It’s our goal and their goal as well to get it done before the start of the season.”

Julio has been unhappy with his contract for quite some time and has even missed offseason workouts in 2018 and 2019 as a result. However, he reported to camp and remains the team’s top priority.

The Falcons close out the preseason Thursday in Jacksonville and open the regular season with a Week 1 game against the Minnesota Vikings. Jones, 30, is a six-time Pro Bowler who should break the franchise’s record for career receiving yards soon.

The New Orleans Saints set the market for No. 1 wide receivers when they signed Michael Thomas to a five-year, $96.25 million deal that could pass $100 million.

Jones’ agent, Jimmy Sexton, remains in negotiations with the Falcons regarding an extension. Jones has two years remaining on his current deal and stands to make $9.6 million in 2019 and $11.4 million in 2020.

Falcons owner Arthur Blank told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Monday they expect Jones to be a Falcon for life.