Atlanta Falcons sign wide receiver Julio Jones to three-year, $66 million contract extension

Julio Jones
photo courtesy: Associated Press

Julio Jones has been one of the league's top wide receivers and the Falcons have richly rewarded his hard work.

On Friday, Jones signed a 3 year, $66 million contract with Atlanta, including $64 million guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $22 million. The new deal makes the 30-year-old the highest paid wide receiver in the league.

Jones also set a record for the most guaranteed money in a NFL contract for a non-QB with 97 percent of his contract guaranteed.

Jones was drafted by the Falcons in the first round with the sixth overall pick in 2011. Since that time he has been a six time Pro Bowler, two time First Team All Pro, two time Second Team All Pro, two time NFL receiving yards leader, and the 2015 NFL receptions co-leader.

In his eight year NFL career Jones has amassed 704 receptions for 10,762 receiving yards and 52 receiving touchdowns.

The new deal locks the Alabama alum in place through the 2023 season.