NFL
Future Impact: Julio Jones Becomes Highest Paid WR
How will the future be impacted by Julio's new $22M/yr contract
USA TODAY Sports
UPDATE: Atlanta makes Julio Jones the highest-paid (in AAV – $22M) WR in NFL history https://t.co/PIkbYJtFQT
— Pro Sports Outlook (@ProSportOutlook) September 7, 2019
A day prior to the 2019 NFL season, the Atlanta Falcons signed their star receiver Julio Jones to an extension worth $66 million over 3 years. Jones was set to make $13 million in 2019, which means 27 receivers in the NFL would have been paid more. After putting pen to paper, Jones became the NFL’s highest paid receiver with $64 of the $66 million guaranteed.
Throughout the first 9 years of his career, Julio Jones has proven himself to be one of the greatest receivers of all-time. His 6’3, 220lb frame was cause for him to be the number 1 receiver in the 2011 draft class, and the same holds true today. Arguably the most unguardable receiver in the NFL, Jones has the ability to catch anything in his vicinity. Jones’ big play potential at any moment is a game-changer for the Falcons and makes him a threat every time he’s on the field. Entering his 10th season, Jones has not shown any signs of regression and continues to play at the top of his game. If anyone deserves to be the NFL’s top paid receiver, it’s Julio Jones, who’s a leader on and off the field.
The hefty contract extension has Julio Jones stitched in a Falcons jersey until the 2023 season. Over his career, Jones has been at the forefront of stardom in Atlanta alongside QB Matt Ryan, and has led the Falcons to 4 playoff appearances and a Superbowl 51 appearance. After a tough week one loss to the Vikings, Atlanta is still a team that can be dangerous offensively, and that is due to their top-tier receiving core. Calvin Ridley, Mohamed Sanu, and TE Austin Hooper are high quality players to surround an elite wideout like Julio Jones. ATL also has Matt Ryan playing at a high level with the ability to spread the ball across the field to their multitude of weapons. Having Jones signed through 2023 can only help the Falcons improve in the future as it gives the young receiver Calvin Ridley time to mature.
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