Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett and wide receiver Julio Jones were not at the start of the team’s offseason workouts on Monday.
Jarrett, who had the $15.2 million franchise tag placed on him, is hoping to land a long-term contract. The team agreed to extend Jones' contract after he did not attend offseason workouts last season.
Jones’ contract was enhanced before the start of training camp and he went on to start all 16 games in 2018.
Owner Arthur Blank has stated that both players will be "Falcons for life" so there isn't a matter of if the deals will get done, but a matter of when. There is a July 15 deadline for Jarrett, who could play the season on the one-year franchise tag. Dallas recently signed defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence to a long-term deal after he received the franchise tag for two consecutive seasons.
The Cowboys saved $9.5 million in salary cap space and moved on to working on deals for other players.
The Falcons are in a similar situation with contract situations coming up for middle linebacker Deion Jones, strongside linebacker DeVondre Campbell and strong safety Keanu Neal.
“It’s a hard thing sometimes for the fan base to understand,” Falcons coach Dan Quinn said. “ ‘Why don’t you re-sign everybody?’ I would totally love that. You do have to be strategic.”
In phase one of the offseason program, teams are limited over the first two weeks to strength and conditioning and physical rehabilitation.
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