Julio Jones
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) catches the ball over New Orleans Saints cornerback Keenan Lewis (28) during the first quarter of a 2014 game in New Orleans. Reuters/Derick E. Hingle/USA Today Sports

Julio Jones and the Atlanta Falcons have yet to agree on a long-term contract extension but the wide receiver is expected to join the Falcons’ organized team activities, or OTAs, this week. The team has already announced that Jones’ long-term deal with the club is the top priority for the franchise as Jones won’t hold out in attending the OTAs.

Atlanta picked up the wide receivers’ fifth-year option for 2015 and has the option to franchise tag Jones in 2016 if no deal is agreed upon by both sides. Jones has made the NFL Pro Bowl twice in his career, in 2012 and 2014, and was the NFC receiving yards leader last season with 1,593 receiving yards on 104 receptions with 6 touchdowns.

Jones, who was the sixth overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft by the Falcons, is expected demand salary similar with the other top wide receivers in the league. The highest paid WR is Calvin Johnson of the Detroit Lions earning about $16 million per season. Jones will earn $10.17 million in his fifth year with the Falcons.

Other NFL players like Darrelle Revis of the New York Jets and Matt Forte of Chicago have skipped past OTAs due to contract disputes. This offseason, players like Demaryius Thomas of Denver and Eric Weddle of San Diego reportedly plan to sit out OTAs related to their contract demands.

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