Falcons trade linebacker Deion Jones to the Browns

The Atlanta Falcons have traded linebacker Deion Jones and a 2024 seventh-round pick to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for a 2024 sixth-round pick, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport.

NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reports that the Falcons will carry a $12.14 million dead cap hit in 2023 on Jones, who has no guarantees on his contract beyond 2022. Additionally, the Browns owe Jones about $1.39 million in salary for the rest of this season, plus $31,250 for each game he’s active.

Jones played his college ball at LSU and was selected by the Falcons in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft. He has never played for any other team across his first six pro seasons, so the move to Cleveland will certainly be a big adjustment for him.

Jones has spent the first five games of this season on injured reserve with a shoulder injury. A former Pro Bowler and Defensive Rookie of the Year, he recorded 137 tackles (eight for loss), two sacks, six passes defended and a forced fumbled in 2021. He also has five defensive touchdowns across his career.

Deion Jones will hope to be a valuable piece for a Browns team that is looking to compete for a playoff spot. Cleveland is off to a 2-3 start so far, and also traded for quarterback Deshaun Watson this offseason. Watson has yet to play this season, though, as he is serving an 11-game suspension for sexual misconduct.

But while Watson is waiting to make his season debut, it looks like Jones is getting closer to his. The linebacker will get his first opportunity to see the field for the Browns when they take on the Patriots at 1 p.m. ET next Sunday.