A former Pro Bowl player is joining the Bills defence. Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that linebacker Deion Jones is being signed by the team. For the 29-year-old defender, the agreement will last for one year.
The most recent season Jones played in 13 games (three starts) for the Panthers was 2023. still played in fewer than half of his team’s defensive snaps during the season, but still finished with a career-low 35 tackles. Pro Football Focus, which ranks the veteran 42nd out of 82 eligible linebackers, nevertheless, thinks he still has it in him.
Although Jones had difficulties in his last few seasons in Atlanta and during his brief stint in Cleveland, he was previously one of the Falcons’ most consistent defenders. Between 2016 and 2021, the former second-round selection averaged over 100 tackles each season; this included a season in which he was limited to only six games and 53 stops. 138 tackles and three interceptions in 2017 earned him a spot in the Pro Bowl.
Al Holcomb will assume the position of LB as former linebackers coach Bobby Babich was promoted to defensive coordinator. He will be observing a depth chart that is headed by Matt Milano and Terrel Bernard. Milano’s injury from last season limited him to only five games. Tyrel Dodson, Milano’s stand-in, is gone, but backup Dorian Williams will still be available in 2024, and the Bills selected linebacker Edefuan Ulofoshio in the fifth round last weekend. For those backup reps, Jones will probably face competition from Williams and Ulofoshio.
