Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones is entering the final year of his rookie contract. With new head coach Dan Quinn in complete control over the 53-man roster, some NFL observers wondered if there was any way he'd let Jones get away. But rest easy, Falcons fans, because Quinn has zero intention of letting one of the game's most talented wide receivers play anywhere except Atlanta.
"The things I've heard about him just in terms of the leader he's become on and off the field, can't wait to connect with him," Quinn told ESPN.com. "For me, just to have the chance to start the process with him, I can't wait...We love great players, and we want to celebrate all the good guys that we have. We're trying to collect more great players, not the other way around."
Despite struggles from Atlanta's offense, Jones, 26, still ranked third in the NFL in receptions (104) and yards (1,593) while also catching six touchdowns this past season. Keeping Jones on the team is a no-brainer, though it remains to be seen what type of contract he will receive.
Similar to Dez Bryant and Demaryius Thomas, Jones will likely want to be paid as a top five wide receiver. That would likely require a long-term contract that averages north of $11 million per year. The Falcons could also use the franchise tag, which cost teams a little more than $12 million for wide receivers in 2014, on Jones to give them more time to negotiate a proper extension.
Whatever route the Falcons ultimately decide to take, it would be shocking if Jones is not in Atlanta once his contract runs out.
