The Falcons and Julio Jones are finally getting close to a deal

FALCON FOR LIFE: Julio Jones hasn’t signed a contract with the Falcons yet (they’re talking). He will, though because owner Arthur Blank wants to make Jones a Falcon for life.

KICKER WANTED: The Steelers need a new kicker. Unfortunately, good kickers are hard to find this time of year.

NOT A RACIST: Chip Kelly isn’t a racist, according to a report from Mike Freeman citing several players. He’s just a dick, according to the same report. Is there actually something to this or is he just not being one of those “players-coaches” types?

SAN DIEGO PITCHES A STADIUM: Representatives from the city of San Diego were in suburban Chicago on Tuesday to present a committee of NFL owners with their plans to divert taxpayer money to a new stadium for the Chargers. As for the team itself, it was not interested.

VIKINGS ON TOP: Congrats to the Minnesota Vikings on being No. 1 ... for total player arrests over the last five years. Where does your team rank?

TRADE: The Bears and Patriots made a trade on Monday, sending New England an offensive lineman in exchange for a linebacker.

BUCS ADD A TACKLE: Tampa Bay signed defensive tackle Tony McDaniel on Monday.

WHY IS THIS MAN SMILING: Cam Newton and Josh Norman got into a fight at Panthers practice on Monday. Yes, Newton was smiling in at least one photo from the tussle.

SAYING GOODBYE: Legendary wide receiver and “ice up, son” icon Steve Smith announced that this will be his last season in the NFL.

NINE DAYS: Kam Chancellor’s holdout is dragging on in Seattle.

FALCONS NOT READY: Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff ruled out any chance of signing Ray Rice, but he left the door open just a little for maybe, possibly signing Aldon Smith.

COWBOY SECONDARY: Are we overlooking a Dallas secondary that could actually be pretty good this season?