Falcons give Michael Jenkins, Babineaux new deals

With this season humming right along at 7-4, the Falcons are beginning to build toward the future. Tuesday they announced extending the contracts of receiver Michael Jenkins and defensive tackle Jonathon Babineaux.

Jenkins signed a four-year, $20 million extension to stay with the only team he’s ever played for; the Falcons drafted Jenkins in the first round out of Ohio State in 2004, the 29th pick overall.

Babineaux, also an original Falcon, signed a five-year extension. Financial terms were not immediately available.

By signing them now, the Falcons avoided taking the chance that free agency would drive up their price. And in doing so, they gave some indication about their confidence in what each brings to the team.

“We’re excited and pleased to extend the contracts of Falcons players who have made significant contributions to the overall success of our football team,” Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff said in a statement. “Michael and Jonathan are both team guys who work hard on and off the field and are both very productive on Sundays.”

Jenkins is the Falcons’ second leading receiver behind Roddy White. He has 33 catches for 498 yards and three touchdowns, which puts him nearly on pace for his second consecutive 50-reception season. He’s also on pace for a career-high 724 yards receiving.

Jenkins caught Matt Ryan’s first NFL pass for a 62-yard touchdown in the Falcons’ season-opener against Detroit. He also caught a key 26-yarder to set up their last-second field goal to beat Chicago. He caught two touchdowns in a win over Oakland.

“I’m really excited to continue my career here in Atlanta,” Jenkins said in the release.

Babineaux is in his first year as a full-time starter on the defensive line, picking up 25 tackles, two sacks and a fumble recovery. The second-round pick by the Falcons in 2005 out of the University of Iowa made 16 starts in his first three seasons.

“I’m happy that this deal got done,” Babineaux said in a release. “This is a great organization with a great group of players and coaches.”