Earlier this week, it was reported that the Falcons have yet to have any trade discussions regarding quarterback Matt Ryan or wide receiver Julio Jones. During an interview with Andrew Siciliano of NFL Network, team owner Arthur Blank confirmed the reports and said he expects both players back.
“I’d be shocked, completely shocked if he was not,” said Blank. “It really has nothing to do with his contract. Matt is playing — and has played — at a very high level for us since 2008 when we drafted him.”
As for Jones, Blank expressed a similar statement about the future of Atlanta’s All-Pro receiver.
“Same question was raised regarding Julio Jones and we expect Julio to be a Falcon next year and play at a very high level as well. They’ll both be with us.”
Arthur Blank tells me he’d be “completely shocked” if @M_Ryan02 wasn’t a member of the @AtlantaFalcons next season.
Same goes for @juliojones_11.
“They’ll both be with us.”@nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/zRGzQqZvla
— Andrew Siciliano (@AndrewSiciliano) February 4, 2021
Blank went on to note Kansas City’s approach of drafting Patrick Mahomes to sit behind veteran Alex Smith. With five quarterback prospects projected to go in the first round, Blank’s words could be indication that the Falcons are fully prepared to take Ryan’s successor in the 2021 NFL draft.
