It’s been a solid weekend for Atlanta Falcons’ star wide receiver Julio Jones.
The former Alabama standout was selected with the No. 1 pick in the Fantasy Football World Championship, per Scout.com, and signed a five-year, $71.25 million extension with Atlanta.
Jones had a record-setting season in 2014, hauling in 104 receptions for 1,593 yards and six touchdowns in 15 games. His 1,593 receiving yards led the NFC and was an all-time single season record for the Falcons. Jones’ performance came on the heels of a dismal 2013 season, in which he caught 41 passes for 580 yards and two touchdowns in five games (foot).
It was only a matter of time before Atlanta would give the two-time Pro Bowler (2012, 2014) a multi-year extension. Dallas Cowboys wideout Dez Bryant and Denver Broncos star receiver Demaryius Thomas both signed five-year deals worth $70 million in the offseason.
Of Jones’ $71.25 million deal, $47.5 million is guaranteed.
Falcons’ owner Arthur Blank wants to keep Jones in Atlanta for a long time.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine and SB Nation. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @ESPN_Future.
