Julio Jones Closing in on Record-Setting Contract Extension With Falcons

Julio Jones may be playing with the security of a new contract in 2019 after all.

The Atlanta Falcons and the superstar wide receiver have been in ongoing talks regarding a contract extension heading into the new season, and now, according to insider Tom Pelissero, the two parties are close to a deal that would make Jones the highest-paid receiver in football.

The #Falcons and star WR Julio Jones are finalizing a multi-year extension that will make him the NFL’s highest-paid receiver, per league sources. Minor issues still to work out, but should be done today.???
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 7, 2019

The expectation is that the deal will be finished be the end of the day Saturday, just in time for the Falcons' Sunday afternoon season opener against the Minnesota Vikings.

A deal for Jones is an absolute must for the Falcons' offense in both the present and the future. He's been their top wide receiver for quite some time now, as well as one of the best skill players in the NFL overall, amassing 6,401 receiving yards and 25 touchdowns over the past four seasons alone.

The deal is reportedly three years long and worth approximately $66 million.

Falcons, WR Julio Jones finalizing three-year extension worth roughly $66M, making him the league's highest-paid WR. (via @TomPelissero + @RapSheet) pic.twitter.com/1TIQQMMB9g
— NFL (@NFL) September 7, 2019

Signing him to an extension would also help lock down this offensive core for the future. The Falcons already have star quarterback Matt Ryan under contract through the 2023 season. Signing his favorite target long-term would solidify the future of an offense that's basically limitless when working to its potential.

A deal for Jones would be huge for both the Falcons and the league as a whole. It could drastically alter how wide receivers are paid; this will definitely be something to keep a close eye on as the day progresses.