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Broncos receiver Demaryius Thomas has been absent this offseason, seeking a long-term contract. Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant has been in a similar situation.
Both players received a $12.8 million franchise tag from their respective clubs.
Everybody voicing opinions..13 mil is cool but Where is my security? I'll wait ...5 years without complaining..So how am I selfish? #family1
— Dez Bryant (@DezBryant) June 17, 2015
Meanwhile, Atlanta's Julio Jones says he will not hold out when his contract expires.
"All I can do is take care of me. I’m going to let [the Falcons] take care of that side of it. If they say be here at this time, I’m going to be there. I’m going to be accountable," Jones recently told Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com, per ProFootballTalk.com.
"'I'm not going to hold out for anything. My teammates need me. I’m being selfish if I’m not here and doing what I need to do."
It's easy for Jones to say that, as he's not the one tagged right now.
Thomas and Bryant, who have been connected since they entered the league, are in situations Jones cannot relate to.
The Broncos selected Thomas, a Georgia Tech product, 22nd overall in the 2010 NFL Draft. Two selections later, the Cowboys selected Oklahoma State's Bryant 24th overall.
Kicking Battles
Since then, the two receivers have averaged 73 catches per season for 1,074 yards and 10 touchdowns. They've also been to a combined five Pro Bowls.
Jones entered the NFL a year later, drafted sixth overall by the Falcons in 2011. Jones has averaged 70 catches for 1,083 yards and 7 scores a season, and though he hasn't been as productive as Thomas and Bryant, he's made more money on average.
Jones has earned an average of just over $4 million per season. Thomas has earned an average of just under $3 million while Bryant has earned just over $2 million per year.
No wonder Jones, a two-time Pro Bowler, is not complaining.
He's been less productive, made more money, hasn't been franchise tagged, and has a year left on his contract. He was not taking a direct shot at Thomas or Bryant — he did not mention either by name — but he might as well have.
"Whatever [the Falcons] feel like I’m deserving of, . . . I’m just here," Jones said. "I’m just trying to be the best teammate. I’m just trying to play. My thing is to play ball."
What's your take? Is Jones right — is it selfish to hold out? Vote in the poll below and share your take in the comments!