The Facts: Falcons owner Arthur Blank said Monday the team hopes to complete a deal Jones before the start of the season Sept. 8. “I would hope so, but I don’t know that,” Blank said. “We’ll have to let things take their course. I know that we are definitely in serious negotiations. It’s our goal, and their goal, as well to get it done before the start of the season.”
Diehards Line:Jones has an annual average of $14.25 million and is signed through 2020. GM Thomas Dimitroff has said the Falcons are prepared to make Jones the highest-paid player at his position. As PFT's Charean Williams reminded readers, Michael Thomas reset the receiver market this offseason, signing a five-year, $100 million extension with the Saints that includes $61 million in guarantees. ... Stay tuned. We'll continue to watch for more.