Atlanta Falcons: Julio Jones Shows up For Mini-Camp After Missing OTA’s

The Atlanta Falcons missing players are all reportedly going to take part in the team’s minicamp. This includes star receiver Julio Jones who is still waiting to receive a new contract.

Last season when Julio Jones held out the Atlanta Falcons and their fans were less than happy with the star. Jones had recently received a new contract and was told he would receive a new one next season.

One season later Jones is still waiting on a new contract and a well deserved pay bump. Jones is no longer one of the top paid receivers in the League and deserves a new contract based on his talent and play.

Showing up for mandatory camp is a great sign that talks are progressing and Jones is ready for the new season. It is hard to see Julio coming to camp if the team wasn’t making a big effort to pay Julio.

Jones new contract will hopefully give the Falcons a bit more cap space and provide them the ability to keep their current talent. Jones isn’t the only player due a new contract with Grady Jarrett and Deion Jones both outplaying their current deals.

Even with this in mind, Julio should be the team’s priority considering his track record and importance to the offense.

Jones should be signed to a new deal before the season kicks off. If not it is a failure for a front office that has done a great job of locking up its own talent. There is likely to be more cap space to work with next season as well with expiring contracts coming off the books.

It is time for the Falcons to follow through and give Julio Jones the raise he deserves. If not Jones could opt to hold out and wait to be given the raise the market demands.