Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones does not plan to report to camp and he is comfortable sitting out the entire time, sources tell Ian Rapoport of NFL>com (on Twitter). Jones, of course, wants an improved contract, even though the Falcons have told him that he will not be getting one. 
The Falcons have told Jones taht they would be willing to re-work his contract next year, but Jones wants it done right now, even though he has three years to go on his current pact. In years past, stars such as Antonio Brown, Marshawn Lynch, and Rob Gronkowski have been in similar positions. In those cases, their respective teams moved money from a future season to the current year in order to satisfy the player. That could be the solution here for the Falcons to get Jones back in the fold.
Jones skipped the Falcons’ voluntary offseason program and mandatory minicamp, so it’s not a shock to see him stay away during training camp. He’ll face hefty fines for holding out, but it could be worthwhile in the long run if he gets what he wants.
Jones is earning $14.25MM per year on his contract, but doesn’t have much left in guarantees. As he enters his final season in his 20s, it makes some sense for Jones to push for the best deal that he can get and holding out is the only way to make that happen since he has three years to go on the deal. Jones has been working out with Terrell Owens as of late, and it’s possible that he has influenced Jones’ thinking.
The Falcons star is coming off his fourth straight season with at least 1,400 yards, as he finished with 88 receptions for 1,444 yards and three scores. He’s made the Pro Bowl in each of his last five healthy seasons, positioning himself as one of the very best wide receivers in the game.
Trade him. We don’t need players like this. As much as I like his ability, the attitude will become a problem in the locker room. See ya Julio
You won’t get what he’s worth right now. And teams aren’t gonna want a guy who has a poopy attitude and wants money AND is on the back nine of his career. Better off keeping him for now.
Players tend to support teammates when it comes to getting more money.
Giants and Falcons are probably looking at each other and waiting to see who pays their star WR first.
I really hope they don’t cave. I’d love to see Ridley blow up in year 1, make JJ regret this BS.
Coming from a 3 td season, with 3 seasons left, I don’t think so mister
Listening to T.O.? Bad news…..
I was wondering if I was the only one who had a good chuckle at the idea of players going to T.O for career advice.
3 touchdowns.
1,400 yards
900 of those yards came in one game.
The dude is good but not this good.
Now I didn’t watch any Falcons’ games last year, but I highly doubt Julio had 900 receiving yards in one game.
Also he is this good. He’s arguably a top 5 WR at his position. Yes he had 3 TDs, but its not like Matt Ryan had another MVP season or even played exceptionally well last year. He only threw 20 TDs last year.
NFL contracts are meaningless. If you don’t perform you get cut and if you do perform you hold out for a better deal. The whole contract structure is broken.
You think all sports should have arbitration?
Sports contracts follow the same model as any business contract where a service is being offered. If you don’t provide good service you go bankrupt and if you do provide good service you earn the right to up your rates.
MLB contracts?
NHL has arbitration as well. Just doesn’t get that far as much as MLB does.
If they’re injured and don’t play – they still get paid also.
Falcons aren’t going anywhere with all these expensive signings. No money for improvements.
Then why do they sign contacts? Put an addendum in that states they need to be paid as top 5 at position. Amazing how they hold out
This is what happens when you take advise from T.O. Don’t cave in…let’s see if he’s willing to go a whole season with no pay.
Honestly, both sides have legitimate points here. Julio is a top 5 WR when healthy. Don’t just look at his 3 TDs last year (Matt Ryan only threw 20 TDs last season total). Jones had 40 TDs in his previous 6 seasons so 43 in 7 seasons isn’t a number that many receivers put up. Jones does deserve to be paid like one of the top WRs and if he was coming up to the last year of his deal, he probably would’ve already had a new contract. The issue here is the 3 remaining years and Atlanta is more than reasonable in saying they aren’t trying to renegotiate with that many years left. If Atlanta has the cap space, they should try to add incentives or maybe guarantee a decent amount of his remaining contract (not counting this season, so maybe next year’s salary plus half of the following year’s as an example). That would be a goodwill gesture to Jones.