Atlanta Falcons are facing an incredibly tough decision on Deion Jones

Calvin Ridley isn’t the only core Atlanta Falcons player whose future with the team is a bit murky headed into the off-season. Deion Jones and Calvin Ridley are both scheduled to be among the top five Atlanta highest cap hits in 2022.

The difference between Jones and Ridley is obvious, Ridley missed the majority of the season while Jones hardly missed a snap. However, there is a reason to wonder whether either player has a  future with Atlanta.

Jones regression this season was concerning and could leave you questioning his motor. Questioning a player’s motor is a touchy subject but there is no questioning that Jones didn’t play to level the Falcons and their fans expected.

Could the Atlanta Falcons decide that it is time for a change of scenery and part ways with Deion Jones?

Objectively Deion Jones would be a player that the Falcons opt to move on from when you look at his scheduled cap hit that will make Jones the 4th highest-paid Falcon in 2022. Still, in a defense that is rebuilding can Atlanta afford to move on from a player that can make game-changing plays?

Who else on this defense can change the game? A.J. Terrell and Grady Jarrett are the only other two players on this roster you will argue are capable of making a game-changing play speaking to the lack of depth and talent that Atlanta has rostered defensively.

The right move for Atlanta is waiting and allowing Jones another year in the Atlanta Falcons’ new defensive scheme. Even if he isn’t happy in Atlanta he seemingly has no leverage to demand a trade or ask for a change of scenery.

Jones is coming off of his worst season on tape and is scheduled to be overpaid next season. Giving Jones another season in this new scheme and attempting to build around him is the right move.

If Jones regression continues in 2022 Atlanta will be forced to move on from the linebacker. However, the plays Jones has made during his time in Atlanta and the effort he has shown prior to this season should earn the talented linebacker one more chance in Atlanta.