The Atlanta Falcons and wide receiver Julio Jones are working out the final details on a three-year contract extension worth $66 million, according to multiple reports on Saturday.
The NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero both tweeted details of the looming deal, citing league sources.
Jones and the Falcons have been working toward a new contract for months. Owner Arthur Blank said in March the team wanted a deal done before training camp. General manager Thomas Dimitroff set a goal of the start of the season — which is Sunday.
Jones, 30, was set to make $21 million over the next two seasons on his existing contract.
Entering his ninth season, Jones is coming off of his sixth Pro Bowl selection — and fifth in a row — after catching 113 passes for a league-high 1,677 yards and eight touchdowns last season. He remains the NFL’s all-time leader in career receiving yards per game (96.7).
Dimitroff said the Falcons expect Jones to be the highest-paid receiver in the NFL when his contract is finalized. Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas signed for $100 million over five years, pushing the price tag for top pass catchers to an all-time high.
Multiple outlets reported Thursday a deal between Jones and the Falcons was imminent.
The Falcons open the season against the Vikings in Minnesota on Sunday.
–Field Level Media
