Looking ahead to Julio Jones and A.J. Green

Now that the champagne has finished flowing to celebrate the multimillion-dollar contracts of Demaryius Thomas and Dez Bryant, peace and tranquility allow us to gain some perspective on what will be coming in less than twelve months, when Julio Jones and A.J. Green have their turn.

It seems evident that the teams of Jones and Green, Atlanta Falcons and Cincinnati Bengals respectively, will use the same formula that has been followed with this new "batch" of star receivers, namely using the "franchise player" tag to ensure that the player participates in the following season with a more than competitive salary and always with that deadline to reach a long-term agreement.

Considering the gargantuan contract of Calvin Johnson, the market has "established" both the years and the amount, just like the average salary of Thomas and Bryant (5 years, $70 million and $14 million per season). The key will once again be the guaranteed money, which in the two mentioned contracts revolves around $45 million.

However, there is the possibility that Jones and Green want to close a deal before that time and extend their contracts. If that were to happen, it should be noted that they would start competing with their new labor framework one season before Thomas and Bryant, and by extension, a new possibility of a long-term contract always in view.

It is worth mentioning that both Jones and the Falcons have not yet initiated discussions in that direction but the franchise has expressed its intention for its wide receiver to remain linked for many more seasons. The Atlanta receiver will receive just over ten million for 2015 and set a franchise record with 1,593 passing yards in his personal best of 104 receptions. In addition to this, he led the NFL with 31 catches of twenty yards or more. It would not be surprising if an agreement is reached as happened with Matt Ryan before the 2013 training camp.

On the other hand, A.J. Green enjoyed his fourth consecutive season surpassing 1,000 yards, specifically 1,041 on 69 catches but with only six touchdowns. However, he maintained his career line with 15 yards per reception.