Atlanta Falcons: Why Key Players Missing OTA’s Doesn’t Matter

Many Atlanta Falcons fans seem concerned that Julio Jones, Vic Beasley, Deion Jones, and Grady Jarrett are all absent from OTA’s. A fact that shouldn’t be concerning at all considering how far away the season is.

In the age of social media and hot takes the fact four key Atlanta Falcons starters are missing OTA’s is alarming to some of the Falcon’s faithful. You don’t have to look hard to see why the players or skipping and know it isn’t a concern.

All four players are under contract for at least this season and will be looking to rebound off of a disappointing 2018 season. Yes, it would be ideal for Julio to be working with Matt Ryan and improving their timing. But at the same time Jones is due a contract and has no reason to risk injury considering his pedigree and ability to train by himself.

Deion Jones and Grady Jarrett are both looking for contracts as well and will show up when needed trained and ready to go. They are both great players who will look to help the defense take a step forward after a dismal 2018 campaign.

There is also the fact to consider that OTA’s are “voluntary” meaning the players have no obligation to show up. While it is important for Matt Ryan and the new additions to the team to attend players like Julio or Jarrett will take away little, if anything from these workouts.

Vic Beasley being the other notable player that didn’t show up is interesting. After the Falcons showed faith in him using his fifth year option it seems Beasley would be doing everything he can to improve and prove himself to the team.

But again these are voluntary workouts and Beasley will show up when it comes time for the team to report.

Often who doesn’t show up at OTA’s is newsworthy only because of the lack of NFL news. The draft and free agency are both behind us leaving only speculation until the new pre-season kicks off in August.

Not showing up for voluntary team activities isn’t a concern considering how established three of these four players are. When the team truly needs them they will be trained and ready to prove just how good this team can be.