NFL notes: Julio Jones signs five-year extension with Atlanta
The Atlanta Falcons agreed to a five-year contract extension with Julio Jones on Saturday that is expected to rank with recent deals paid to other top wide receivers.
The deal, announced by the team before Saturday night’s preseason game at Miami, was expected. Owner Arthur Blank recently said an agreement would come soon.
“We could not be more thrilled to make Julio a Falcon for life,” Blank said in a statement released by the team. “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.”
Jones set career highs with 104 catches and a franchise-record 1,593 yards receiving last season. It was an important bounce-back season for the former Alabama star following the 2013 surgery to repair the fractured fifth metatarsal in his right foot.
Washington locks up tackle Williams
Washington Redskins left tackle Trent Williams agreed to terms on a new five-year contract that comes with $32 million in guaranteed money.
Williams’ agent, Vincent Taylor, said Williams will receive an $8.5 million signing bonus. The sixth-year veteran will receive an average salary of $13.2 million, and the $66 million deal provides for an additional $11.25 million in guaranteed money if he gets injured.
The 27-year-old Williams was selected to the Pro Bowl in each of the past three seasons.
Saturday’s results
Vikings 28, Cowboys 14: Tony Romo threw two touchdown passes even as Dez Bryant again sat out for Dallas, who lost to visiting Minnesota. Teddy Bridgewater completed all seven of his passes for the Vikings.
Browns 31, Buccaneers 7: Josh McCown finished two long drives with touchdown passes to outplay rookie Jameis Winston and lead Cleveland to a victory over Tampa Bay in Tampa, Florida.
Jets 28, Giants 18: Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick threw two touchdown passes and Antonio Cromartie scored on a 59-yard interception return in the waning seconds of the first half as the Jets beat the Giants in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Dolphins 13, Falcons 9: Ryan Tannehill threw for 145 yards in less than a half despite working behind a makeshift offensive line, and host Miami edged Atlanta.
Bills 43, Steelers 19: Buffalo quarterback EJ Manuel made his case to reclaim the starting job by going 7 of 8 for 170 yards and two touchdowns in a win over Pittsburgh in Orchard Park, New York.
Eagles 39, Packers 26: Green Bay lost receiver Randall Cobb to a shoulder injury, while Philadelphia quarterback Sam Bradford threw three touchdowns passes in a road win. Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers didn’t play.
Colts 24, Rams 14: Andrew Luck threw his first touchdown pass of the preseason, helping Indianapolis get off to a fast start in a 24-14 preseason victory over host St. Louis.
Redskins 31, Ravens 13: Kirk Cousins filled in capably for injured quarterback Robert Griffin III, throwing for 190 yards and a touchdown as Washington topped host Baltimore.
Bengals 21, Bears 10: Andy Dalton sneaked in for a touchdown on Cincinnati’s opening drive, then came out of the game as a precaution with a sore neck during a victory over visiting Chicago. The Bears’ offense has managed five field goals and no touchdowns in the preseason.
Broncos 19, 49ers 12: Peyton Manning failed to get Denver into the end zone in seven possessions, but the Broncos rode a stifling defense and good ground game to a home win over sputtering San Francisco. 49ers linebacker NaVorro Bowman, who missed all of last season after a knee injury, recorded two sacks.