Julio Jones signs Atlanta Falcons extension

Julio Jones has agreed a five-year contract extension with the Atlanta Falcons, extending his stay with the team until the end of the 2020 NFL season.

The 26-year-old wide receiver, who recorded a career-high 1,593 receiving yards in 2014, will earn up to $71.25m (£46.3m) over the duration of his new deal, with $47m (30.5m) guaranteed.

In a statement, Falcons owner Arthur Blank said: "We could not be more thrilled to make Julio a Falcon for life. 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."

The NFC South side selected Jones in the first round of the 2011 Draft.