Report: Falcons won't give Julio Jones raise in 2018, hope he reports for camp
Despite his ongoing desire for a raise, star wide receiver Julio Jones won't receive a new contract from the Atlanta Falcons in 2018, sources told Jeff Schultz of the Athletic.
The Falcons' front office has shifted their primary focus on extending players on expiring contracts, such as defensive tackle Grady Jarrett, left tackle Jake Matthews, and safety Ricardo Allen, Schultz added.
Jones skipped all team activities this offseason, including mandatory minicamp in June, as he looks to be the NFL's highest-paid receiver. Atlanta is hopeful he'll report to training camp on time.
Related: Debate club: Should the Falcons cave to Julio Jones' contract demands?
The star wideout is just two years into a six-year extension he signed in 2015. He's currently the league's eighth-highest paid receiver in terms of average annual value.
Atlanta has reportedly informed Jones that they already had budgeted for a contract renegotiation following the 2018 season, and he can expect a raise at that time.
Jones was dominant again in 2017, catching 88 passes for 1,444 yards and three touchdowns as the top weapon on the Falcons' high-flying offense.