There have been no contract extension talks between the Atlanta Falcons and Pro Bowl wide receiver Julio Jones' camp, a league source told ESPN on Monday.
The Falcons have stated their intent to keep Jones for the long haul, but at what price?
Falcons teammate Roddy White believes Jones should be the NFL's highest-paid receiver. Calvin Johnson, who makes $16.2 million annually as part of a seven-year contract he signed with the Lions in 2013, currently holds that title. Johnson received $43.75 million guaranteed.
Jones, 26, has one year remaining on his contract after the team exercised its fifth-year option. He will make $10.176 million during the 2015 season.
While there appears to be a contentious situation brewing in Dallas between top receiver Dez Bryant and the Cowboys, Jones vowed not to protest over an extension with the Falcons. He attended all offseason workouts and minicamps and is expected to report to training camp on time.
"I'm not going to hold out for anything," Jones told ESPN last month. "My teammates need me. I'm being selfish if I'm not here and doing what I need to do."
Jones said his agent, Jimmy Sexton, will handle all contract discussions.
Jones set a franchise record with 1,593 receiving yards on a career-high 104 receptions despite missing one game with an oblique injury. He led the NFL with 31 catches of 20-plus yards.
Although Jones suffered a fractured foot two seasons ago which limited him to five games, general manager Thomas Dimitroff said the receiver's injury history does not cause apprehension.
"That's not my concern, period," Dimitroff said.
The decision ultimately will come down to how much owner Arthur Blank is willing to pay the team's top player. The Falcons always have the option of placing the franchise tag on Jones next season at a cost estimated to be around $14 million.
It would not be a shock to see the Falcons and Jones reach a deal by the start of training camp (July 31). Quarterback Matt Ryan agreed to a five-year, $103.75 million extension on July 25, 2013, the same day training camp started. And last year, White signed an extension through 2017 (worth $18 million) on July 25, the day training camp began.