Julio Jones’ absence from Atlanta’s offseason workouts — and his deletion of Falcons photos from his Instagram page – has some fans sweating in Hotlanta.
Falcons fans are worried about a rumored contract situation brewing. The Falcons predictably are saying move along, there’s nothing to see here. And while we won’t know for certain until June’s mandatory minicamp, Thursday’s draft probably will give at least a little hint.
Jones hasn’t shown up for Atlanta’s offseason workouts, although he’s expected to at least make an appearance at some point this week. He worried some by recently taking his Twitter account private, and taking all photos of him in Falcons attire off his Instagram feed.
The team denied any rumors of a rift, explaining away the move by saying Jones is simply looking for a “fresh start” on social media. ESPN reported that the former Alabama star was looking to set an example for current Crimson Tide players, whom he spoke with on the perils and pitfalls of social media.
Falcons director of football communications Brian Cearns tweeted Tuesday that Jones had spoken about social media on “Bama Football Shop Talk” on March 28.
“At the end of the day, when that social media is gone — you delete social media right now, what you stand for, who are you?” Jones had said. “Social media ain’t going to make me.”
Jones has since made his Twitter account public again. But he’s not prolific on social media, only tweeting three times this year and none since Jan. 31. He only has 17 Instagram posts total, none since Feb. 10 and the only photograph of him playing football is a high school throwback picture.
There have been rumblings of a potential contract issue brewing in Atlanta. Jones signed a five-year, $71.25 million extension – with $47 million guaranteed – back in August 2015. And despite having three years and $34.43 million left on his deal, his $14.25 million average salary is almost $2 million behind Sammy Watkins and Mike Evans, and was only $2 million more than the recently cut Dez Bryant.
The Falcons have openly talked about how vital it is to have Jones healthy over this offseason to get in sync with quarterback Matt Ryan.
Picking 26th in the draft on Thursday, Atlanta could be in a position to nab a top wide receiver like Maryland’s D.J. Moore, or possibly even Jones’ fellow Alabama product Calvin Ridley. Either would be a great supplement to Jones (and Mohamed Sanu), or — if Jones boycotts mandatory minicamp from June 12-14 — a potential replacement.
