Falcons’ Jones in talks on contract
WR hopes for new deal before season
ATLANTA — After losing a few pounds in the offseason, Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones believes he is stronger and more explosive.
How much more explosive?
“Now, on go balls, I’ve got another gear,” Jones said Monday.
There could soon be a new contract for the Atlanta star, too. The Falcons are in talks with Jones’ agent, Jimmy Sexton, on a contract extension for Jones, who can become a free agent after the season.
It seems likely that Jones, who earned his second Pro Bowl spot last season, will return in 2016, either with a new deal or with a franchise tag. This season’s franchise tag was $12.8 million.
Jones would prefer the security of a long-term deal. Two other top NFL receivers, Denver’s Demaryius Thomas and Dez Bryant of Dallas, set the bar with new $70 million contracts this year.
Jones is set to earn about $10 million this year, the last season of a four-year deal. He had no update on the talks.
“Like I’ve said, seriously I don’t know where it’s at,” he said. “I don’t know when it’s going to be done. None of that. I don’t know what’s going on. I’m just here, just playing ball.”
Sexton did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Associated Press.
Last season, Jones set career highs with 104 catches and set a franchise record with 1,593 yards receiving and earned his second Pro Bowl spot.
DEVELOPMENTS
Colquitt takes pay cut: Two years after becoming Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones makes a catch at practice Monday. Jones can become a free agent next season, but the team is in talks with his agent about a contract extension. the league’s highest-paid punter, Britton Colquitt has increased his chances of making the Broncos’ roster by agreeing to a $1.4 million pay cut. Colquitt will make $1.6 million this season after Monday’s agreement. His 2016 salary of $3.25 million remains untouched.
Stadium project: The effort to build a new football riverfront stadium in St. Louis got a big boost Monday when a judge ruled that approval from city voters is not necessary to use bond proceeds for the project.
St. Louis Circuit Judge Tomas Frawley’s ruling voided a city ordinance requiring voter approval for any project using tax dollars for a professional sports facility. He called the 2002 law’s language confusing and vague.
Jaguar WR suspended: Former Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Ace Sanders, a fourth-round draft pick in 2013, is facing a 10-game suspension for another violation of the NFL’s substance-abuse policy.
A person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press that Sanders was cut last month following another failed drug test. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because the team and the league did not announce Sanders’ failed test or pending suspension. ESPN first reported the 10game ban, which would be enforced if Sanders signs with another team.
GM talks to Pierre-Paul: Giants general manager Jerry Reese said he had “a great conversation” with Jason Pierre-Paul on Sunday but added that “nothing is set” regarding a plan for the injured and unsigned defensive end to return to the team.
Reese said the Giants are not upset at JPP for his mishap with the fireworks July 4 or his lack of communication with the team that included a snub of Giants officials shortly after the incident.
Pierre-Paul reportedly had his right index finger amputated and suffered other injuries to his right hand in a fireworks accident July 4 at his home in Coral Springs, Florida.
Briefly: Ravens safety Matt Elam will have season-ending surgery to repair a torn biceps sustained during the first week of training camp. ... Eagles linebacker Travis Long tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee for the second straight year. He missed last season after injuring his ACL in the final preseason game. ... Detroit Lions defensive tackle Haloti Ngata missed practice with a strained hamstring. ... Panthers defensive tackle Star Lotulelei left practice in a cart with a stress reaction in his surgically repaired right foot. ... The Broncos have signed 6-5, 291-pound left tackle Charles Sweeton, who played at UT Martin.