2019 SeasonAll times ET

2019 Schedule
7-9, 2nd in NFC South

Vaughn McClure ESPN Staff Writer 

Matt Ryan to me on the Falcons facing the Broncos in the Hall of Fame game, Aug. 1: “I'm excited that we'll be in Canton because it's obviously big for Tony [Gonzalez] and his family. To be able to be up there and be around some of that environment that's going on is special for me, personally, having played with him. Maybe some guys don't feel the same way — having an extra [preseason game] — but I guess I'm kind of bias having played with him. I'm happy we're going to be up there.'' Ryan said he plans to be there for Gonzalez's enshrinement, Aug. 3, which might mean he'll be excused from team activities that day. His former TE, Gonzalez, will be the last of the new eight Hall of Famers to address the crowd during the enshrinement ceremony, after Georgia's Champ Bailey.

Vaughn McClure ESPN Staff Writer 

Falcons LB Deion Jones, with a new four-year, $57 million contract in hand, now can focus on an area he wants to address heading into the season: his weight. Linebackers coach Jeff Ulbrich wants the speedy Jones to put on and maintain and bit more weight and strength to deal with “hard ball” situations. Jones told ESPN he was 219 pounds at his lightest last season, after foot surgery. Where does Ulbrich want him? “On the opposite side of 225,'' Jones said. ``It's been a process, and I'm trying to do it the right way. My metabolism is fast. I just have to do things the right way. I think I have a pretty good plan this year.'' He politely declined to discuss the details of his weight-gaining plan. Jones and the Falcons' veterans report for training camp Sunday, with the rookies reporting today.

Danny Karnik/AP Photo
2dVaughn McClure

Falcons, LB Jones reach $57M deal through '23

Pro Bowl linebacker Deion Jones, who led the Falcons in tackles in 2016 and '17, has reached a four-year extension worth $57 million, including $34 million guaranteed.

Vaughn McClure ESPN Staff Writer 

Grady Jarrett contract details put out by ProFootballTalk are accurate. So instead of counting $15.209 mil against the 2019 cap, his cap number shrinks to $11 mil. Some more wiggle room when the Falcons try to work a deal with Deion Jones, whose '19 cap number of $1,446,342 is likely to increase with the extension. Julio Jones' '19 cap number of $13,466,666 is likely to decrease. According to NFLPA, Falcons siting at $6,711,089 in cap space, but that's before the Jarrett's contract tinkering.

Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
4dVaughn McClure

Falcons, DT Jarrett beat deadline, reach deal

The Falcons and defensive tackle Grady Jarrett reached agreement on a four-year, $68 million extension before Monday's deadline to sign franchised players.

Adam Schefter ESPN Senior Writer 

Now that the Falcons have reached agreement on a $68 million deal with Grady Jarrett, Atlanta is turning its attention to LB Deion Jones. Falcons and Jones' agent, Drew Rosenhaus, scheduled for face-to-face negotiations in Atlanta on Wednesday, per source. Another deal in works.

Vaughn McClure ESPN Staff Writer 

According to ESPN Pass rush metrics powered by NFL Next Gen Stats, Grady Jarrett beat his block by 2.5 seconds on 33.7% of his pass rushes, which was the 3rd-highest rate among DT/NTs last season including playoffs behind only Aaron Donald (43.5%) and Kawann Short (34.2%).

Jarrett's work ethic led to contract extension with Falcons (1:02)

Adam Schefter ESPN Senior Writer 

DT Grady Jarrett reached agreement on a four-year, $68 million deal

Vaughn McClure ESPN Staff Writer 

Matt Ryan on any advice to Julio Jones as Jones awaits a contract extension: "He knows how to handle it. He handles it in his way, and he handles everything that comes his way really well. I have so much respect for him as a player, but even more respect for him as a man, as a person, as a friend. He should be the one we're going to for advice. He's so mature and wise beyond his years that maybe it should be the other way around. He's on top of it and understands that it's a business but at the same time, prepares and has himself ready to play and cares 100 percent about winning." On Jones possibly becoming the NFL's highest-paid receiver, Ryan said, "I don't like to get involved in other people's stuff, but he deserves everything that comes his way because he's an unbelievable player and is as talented and productive as anyone. He changes the game as much, if not more, than any player in the league." The Falcons hope to get Jones' contract resolved by the start of training camp, July 22. He has two years and more than $21 million remaining on his deal.

0:57

Vaughn McClure ESPN Staff Writer 

Falcons QB Matt Ryan speaks on importance of hydration as part of a Gatorade event at Samuel L. Jones Boys and Girls Club of Metro Atlanta.

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Team Stats

Passing Yards290.84th
Rushing Yards98.327th
Points For25.910th
Points Against26.425th