Atlanta Falcons exercise fifth-year option on Julio Jones

The Atlanta Falcons have exercised the fifth-year option in the contract of wide receiver Julio Jones.

The Falcons' decision means that Jones will stay with the team until the end of the 2015 campaign at least, earning just over $10m (£5.9m) the season after next.

The 25-year-old joined the Falcons as the sixth overall pick in the 2011 Draft and has since recorded 174 receptions for 2,737 yards and 20 touchdowns.

However, he struggled with injury last season, hurting his foot in week five and missing the remainder of the campaign as a result.

Jones, who made the Pro Bowl in 2012, had caught 41 passes for 580 yards and two touchdowns before his injury, which contributed towards a poor season for the Falcons as they won just four matches.