Julio Jones has been perhaps the most consistent and productive receiver in the NFL over the past five-plus years and now, he’s finally being rewarded accordingly. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Jones and the Atlanta Falcons have agreed to a three-year extension worth $66 million.
Atlanta and Pro-Bowl WR Julio Jones just reached agreement on a landmark three-year, $66 million extension that includes $66 million guaranteed – $64 million of which is due at signing, sources tell @mortreport and me. It ties together the two sides for the next five seasons.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 7, 2019
What’s most notable about Jones’ new deal with Atlanta is the guaranteed money and how much he was rewarded at signing. The deal was fully guaranteed with $64 million due at signing, making Jones the highest-paid receiver in NFL history.
And while Julio Jones is now the richest wideout in the NFL, it’s hard to dispute him getting this type of money. Jones has made a living off feasting against opposing secondaries and has cemented himself as one of the best receivers in the league. The last time Jones didn’t register at least 1,400 yards and 80 receptions in a season, you have to go all the way back to 2013.
Even last year, Jones was as electrifying as ever, pacing the entire NFL in receiving yards with 1,677, good for over 100 yards per game. And though his “lack” of touchdown production has been a knock on him before, Jones was able to hit paydirt eight times last season.
Since entering the league in 2011, Jones and quarterback Matt Ryan have been one of the most lethal tandems not only recently, but in NFL history. With his contract now in the rearview, Jones and Ryan will look to build on their rapport and take the Falcons back to the Super Bowl after their last appearance in 2017.
