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Falcons lock up Jones for $71M

 
Falcons receiver Julio Jones set career highs with 104 catches and 1,593 receiving yards, a franchise record, last season.
Falcons receiver Julio Jones set career highs with 104 catches and 1,593 receiving yards, a franchise record, last season.
Published Aug. 30, 2015

ATLANTA — The Falcons agreed to a $71.25 million, five-year contract extension with Julio Jones on Saturday.

The deal, announced by the team before Saturday's 13-9 preseason loss at Miami, was expected. Owner Arthur Blank consistently said he wanted Jones to play his full career in Atlanta.

"We could not be more thrilled to make Julio a Falcon for life," Blank said in a statement. "Julio has established himself as one of the top wide receivers in the NFL during his career and has already set the franchise record for receiving yards in a season. I am extremely proud of what he has accomplished and he has just begun to scratch the surface in terms of his potential."

The deal, which keeps Jones in Atlanta through the 2020 season, includes $47.5 million guaranteed. His average salary will be $14.25 million, in line with deals for Dallas' Dez Bryant and Denver's Demaryius Thomas. Jones was set to earn about $10 million this year, the last of a four-year deal.

In Saturday's game, Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill threw for 145 yards in less than a half. Miami center Mike Pouncey, a former Florida standout, left in the first half with a knee injury and is scheduled for an MRI exam.

Manuel makes case: EJ Manuel made his case to reclaim the job as Buffalo's starting quarterback, going 7-of-8 for 170 yards and two touchdowns in a 43-19 preseason win over visiting Pittsburgh. The former Florida State standout led scoring drives, including a 67-yard touchdown to tight end Charles Clay, on the Bills' first two series. Bills coach Rex Ryan said he plans to decide today among Manuel, Tyrod Taylor and Matt Cassel as the starter. Also, Ryan said receiver Marquise Goodwin is out indefinitely after breaking his ribs.

ANOTHER PACKER WR GOES DOWN: The Packers lost Randall Cobb to a shoulder injury in a 39-26 loss to the visiting Eagles. The severity of the injury was not known. He's the second Packers starting receiver to get hurt in the preseason. Jordy Nelson was lost for the season with a right knee injury last Sunday. For the Eagles, former Gator Tim Tebow, who is trying to make the team as a backup QB, was 2-for-2 for 15 yards and rushed three times for 4 yards.

Ravens-Redskins rumble: Ravens receiver Steve Smith and Redskins cornerback Chris Culliver were ejected for their roles in an onfield fight late in the first quarter of Washington's 31-13 road win. Washington linebacker Keenan Robinson forced receiver Kamar Aiken to fumble after a third-down catch, and Smith and Culliver got tangled in the ensuing scramble. Ravens coach John Harbaugh sprinted on the field and got into an argument with Washington coach Jay Gruden. Three officials separated them.

REDSKINS' QB QUESTIONS: Kirk Cousins, who started at quarterback Saturday for the Redskins in place of Robert Griffin III, will also start in Week 1 of the regular season, ESPN reported. NFL Network reported that no decision had been made. Also, left tackle Trent Williams agreed to terms on a new five-year contract with $32 million guaranteed.

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Other game highlights: Tony Romo got his first and likely only extended action of the preseason, throwing two touchdowns, but Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater completed all seven of his passes in a 28-14 win over the host Cowboys. … Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton left as a precaution with a sore neck after scoring on a keeper in a 21-10 win against the visiting Bears. Dalton had players piled on top of him after his 1-yard dive and didn't return. … Jets rookie defensive end Leonard Williams, the No. 6 pick in the draft, left the 28-18 win over the Giants with a knee injury in the second quarter.

Jaguars: Defensive end Andre Branch, injured Friday against Detroit, will miss "significant time" with a sprained knee ligament, coach Gus Bradley said.

Steelers: Kicker Garrett Hartley, signed to replace the injured Shaun Suisham, left the game against the Bills with an injured hamstring.