Atlanta Falcons: Re-sign the 2016 draft class sooner rather than later

In the second round of the 2016 draft, the Falcons drafted star LB Deion Jones who was an absolute steal and a home-run pick. In his first three seasons in the NFL, Deion has played 42 career games racking up 297 tackles, 200 solo, two sacks, two forced fumbles, and eight interceptions including three pick sixes.

Deion was in contention for defensive rookie of the year in 2016 and made the Pro Bowl in 2017. He only played six games in 2018 due to a foot injury. Deion can do so many things for this defense and is the best coverage linebacker in the league.

The only thing he was missing was coming up and meeting the running back at the line of scrimmage on running plays. Luckily for us we saw flashes of that in 2018 so expect another big year from him in 2019. Just like Keanu, Deion is also young and will turn 25 in November of this year. The Falcons have to extend Deion Jones, he is way too valuable for this defense. The starting point to look at for his contract will be the 49ers new linebacker Kwon Alexander. Kwon signed for $54 million over 4 years in the off-season.

That will be Deion Jones starting point and the number will go up from there. The Falcons want to keep him long term so I would think his contact will likely be $85-$90 million over six years. It is going to be a huge contract but the Falcons HAVE to pay Deion Jones.