Deion

Jones

A former stalwart for the Falcons, Jones is basically bouncing around as linebacker injuries accumulate at this point in his career as a non-solution. The 30-year-old had been with the Bills in training camp and was released at last cuts.

The 2016 second-rounder has become something of a journeyman, making 13 appearances and three starts for the Panthers last season after similar 2022 usage in Cleveland. Still on the right side of 30, Jones is landing in a defense whose depth has been tested by injury and salary cap problems. He is the kind of player whom defensive-minded head coach Sean McDermott could make useful for a season.

Jones was traded from Atlanta to Cleveland last year. He tallied 2.5 sacks and 44 total tackles in 11 games with the Browns. The Panthers then signed him but ultimately released him at the end of training camp. He joined their practice squad and will not be a permanent member of the team’s 53-man roster.

Jones joined the Panthers in late July, but was unable to crack the 53-man roster out of camp. The veteran linebacker played with the Falcons and Browns last season, totaling 44 tackles, six TFLs, and one interception over 11 games, but has struggled to return to the form that led to a Pro Bowl appearance in 2017. Jones could still be a valued presence in the right situation, but it’s been a difficult few months for the former stud linebacker.

The Panthers held a workout with Jones earlier in the day and now appear ready to welcome him to the team. The 28-year-old linebacker split time between the Falcons and Browns last season, racking up 44 tackles, six TFLs, and one interception in 11 games. Far from the stud linebacker we saw early in his career, Jones provides a veteran presence to the defense and can slot in as a starter when needed.

The market has been quiet for Jones, who last met with a team in April when the Giants hosted him for a visit. The 28-year-old linebacker was traded to the Browns last season after opening the year on the Falcons’ injured reserve and finished the year with 44 tackles, six TFLs, and one interception. Once considered a premier linebacker in the league, Jones is unlikely to provide little more than additional depth and experience to whatever defense he lands on.

Jones was traded to the Browns in the middle of last season, after spending the first five weeks on the Falcons’ injured reserve. In 11 games with the Browns, Jones totaled 44 tackles, six TFLs, and one interception while also forcing a fumble. Jones, 28, has seen a significant drop in his play in recent years, which played a role in the Falcons’ desire to move on from him and his hefty contract. He’s graded as one of the worst run-stopping linebackers per PFF in each of the last two seasons.

Acquired in a trade two weeks ago, Jones was not healthy enough to make his Browns debut last week, but he was always expected to be good to go for Week 7. He might be eased into action, but Jones should boost a defense that has struggled against the run.

The Browns designated Jones for return after trading for him last week but he’s expected to need another week before making his debut. When active, Jones should help a Browns run defense that’s ranked near the bottom of the league. Jones was close to playing this week and should have a chance at returning in Week 7.

The Browns acquired Jones last week from the Falcons for a late-round draft pick. The hope is Jones can help the struggling Browns run defense, graded by Pro Football Focus as the NFL’s worst through Week 5. Browns opponents have rushed for 438 yards over the past two weeks. Jones, who has not played in 2022, could play significant snaps for Cleveland in the coming weeks.