The Cleveland Browns addressed linebacker position concerns by acquiring Pro Bowler Deion Jones in a trade with the Atlanta Falcons. The Browns will send a sixth-rounder in 2024 for Jones and a seventh-rounder.
Jones hasn’t played at all this season, spending the first five weeks on the injured reserve. It was rumored that Atlanta had been looking to move him for a while now. The 28-year-old had 137 tackles, 2.0 sacks, six pass deflections, and one forced fumble last season.
During Monday’s conference, the Browns’ head coach Kevin Stefanski also confirmed Jones’ arrival, saying he’ll soon be joining the team.
“Just felt like we could add a veteran linebacker to the group,” said Stefanski. “Thought it was the right thing to do.”
The Browns could use all the help at LB they can get. The team previously lost veteran Anthony Walker Jr. to a season-ending quadriceps injury, while the rest of the group hasn’t looked convincing at all.
Deion Jones was Atlanta’s second-round pick in 2016. He was a consistent performer since his rookie year for the Falcons, but the new team regime didn’t exactly see him fit for their long-term plan. Jones, who was a Pro Bowler in 2017, has 652 career tackles with 8.5 sacks, 44 pass deflections, 11 interceptions, and five defensive touchdowns.
