Falcons keep Jones

Julio has been a cornerstone of our organization for several years and we have always intended for that to continue for years to come

Star receiver Julio Jones has agreed to a contract extension with the NFL's Atlanta Falcons worth a reported $66 million over three years

LOS ANGELES (AFP) — On the eve of their National Football League (NFL) season-opener, the Atlanta Falcons agreed to terms with All-Pro receiver Julio Jones on a contract extension worth a reported $66 million.

The Falcons did not confirm reports the deal is for three years and that $64 million of its $66 million value is guaranteed.

That figure would make Jones the highest-paid receiver in the game on average.

“There are a handful of elite receivers and Julio is certainly a part of that group, not only because of his production on the field but his leadership off the field and in the locker room,” Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff said.

“Julio has been a cornerstone of our organization for several years and we have always intended for that to continue for years to come.”

Jones was the sixth-overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. He is a two-time All-Pro and six-time Pro Bowler. In eight seasons he has caught 698 passes for 10,731 yards and 51 touchdowns.

In 2018 he became the fastest player in NFL history to reach 10,000 career receiving yards, achieving that milestone in his 104st career game — 11 fewer than former Lions receiver Calvin Johnson.