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New Contracts Handed Out, Falcons Turn Focus to This Season

WHO: Atlanta Falcons

WHERE: Flowery Branch, Ga.

WHEN: Friday, July 27

HOW: 5.5-hour drive from Jacksonville

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — A little after 10 a.m. on Friday, Arthur Blank drove his golf cart to the edge of one of the Falcons’ practice fields, parking near where a group of offensive players was gathered. Matt Ryan came over first, embracing the team owner, who awarded the quarterback with a five-year, $150 million contract extension in May. Next came Julio Jones. The All-Pro receiver ducked his 6-foot-3 frame under the cart’s canopy, and lingered for a minute, shooting the breeze with the man who will now also be writing him a bigger check.