Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank believes the team is 'very, very close' to a contract extension for Julio Jones

Unlike Ezekiel Elliott and Melvin Gordon, Julio Jones has been vocal in his desire for a new contract while also taking part in training camp with the Atlanta Falcons. In turn, the discussions have been chronicled throughout the process, with Falcons brass being forthcoming in their plans to make Jones the highest-paid receiver in the NFL. On Tuesday, things only intensified, with Falcons owner Arthur Blank telling Jeff Schultz of The Athletic that the two sides are "very, very close" at this juncture. 

"I'd be surprised and disappointed if we didn't get it done this week," Blank told Schultz. "I think it's very reasonable to assume it will get done this week."

The Falcons open their 2019 campaign with a road game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday and that contest could act as an artificial deadline for discussions. As such, Blank's reference to "this week" is noteworthy and, because of all of the positive chatter, it seems almost responsible to plan as if Jones will be taken care of with a lucrative extension. 

Jones came in at No. 7 overall in CBS Sports' Top 100 players for 2019 from Pete Prisco and that came with the distinction of being the No. 1 wide receiver in the league. While he has had issues getting into the end zone in recent years, Jones has been obscenely productive over the last five seasons, averaging 104.8 receptions for 1598.8 yards and leading the NFL in receiving yardage on two occasions. 

It is possible that the emergence of fellow Alabama standout Calvin Ridley could take the heat off Jones in the future but, for now, Matt Ryan's No. 1 target seems to be a priority for the organization. The Falcons face 30-1 odds to win the Super Bowl this season.