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Earlier today it was revealed that Atlanta Falcons star wide receiver Julio Jones was not in attendance for the teams voluntary OTAs. Yes, we are aware what voluntary means. We also have learned that Falcons’ defensive tackle Grady Jarrett skipped OTAs, and barring a new deal, which sounds distant, we may not see him for a while.
Also, Grady Jarrett is not at OTAs. Barring the signing of a new deal, he is not expected to be at OTAs over the next few weeks (both sides are still far apart.) No decision has been made on if he attends minicamp yet.
— Jason Butt (@JasonHButt) May 20, 2019
In April, Grady Jarrett signed his franchise tag tender after he and the team failed to reach a contract agreement. By signing the tag, Jarrett’s $15.2M salary became fully guaranteed for 2019. However, if the Falcons signs Jarrett to a long-term contract, that changes things. Since the franchise tag is a one-year deal, all $15.2M of Jarrett’s salary counts towards their cap room.
There’s still time for the two sides to come to an agreement, as the deadline is set for July 15 deadline. If they don’t, Grady Jarrett will have to play on the tag until the team can negotiate with him again in 2020.
As is the case with Julio skipping OTAs, this is not a big deal. It’s a little bigger deal if this drags out into mandatory sessions, a bigger deal still if it’s still playing out in training camp, and an actual big deal if it bleeds into the season. Let’s not invite trouble, though.