Falcons prepared to pay Julio Jones more than Michael Thomas

Julio Jones is waiting for his money. The Atlanta Falcons are preparing to give it to him. Just not yet.

Julio Jones (30), is arguably the most talented receiver in the game today. He’s a Hall of Famer if he retires tomorrow, amassing six 1,000-yard seasons and six Pro Bowl berths, along with two First-Team All-Pro selections in his eight NFL seasons. Now, he’s looking to become the highest-paid at his position. On Wednesday, that designation changed over to New Orleans Saints star Michael Thomas, who received a five-year extension worth $96.25 million including $61 million guaranteed.

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For Atlanta’s part, general manager Thomas Dimitroff says he plans to make Jones the benchmark for receivers, but only in due time.

“We know what Julio is in this league. We have a very good idea of approximately where he’s going to be, which I won’t share specifically. The good thing is we’ve never been held by our owner to be limiting someone and we’re very good with our football players here. We feel very proud of how we approach it.

“And again, where we approach it with Julio, we look at everything, of course. We believe that he should be the highest-paid player — sorry, I did not say player — the highest-paid receiver in the league. And I know he believes that. It’s just how we’re going to approach this and how we’re going to get it done. I believe it’s right around the corner but I don’t want know when it is.”

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Jones has two years remaining on his deal, but it makes sense for the Falcons to move quickly. As it stands now, they are projected to be over the salary cap come next offseason, per Over The Cap. While it seems counter-intuitive to shell out $100+ million in such a scenario, it actually helps Atlanta’s plight. Jones is due $13.46 million this season and $12.89 million in 2020. With an extension, Dimitroff can move money around, spread it out and lower the upcoming cap hits, specifically next year’s.

With Atlanta trying to bounce back and reach the playoffs after falling into last place in the NFC South last year, keeping Jones happy is critical. The defense is solid but the offense is what makes the Falcons dangerous, led by their trio of receivers including Mohamed Sanu, Calvin Ridley and Jones.

At 30 years old, Jones should have a couple more elite seasons in him before shifting down to a secondary role. This is the same path former teammate Roddy White took as Jones emerged. Still for now, Jones is among the best to ever play the game. Making the highest-paid is clearly a question of when and not if.