Will Deion Jones start the season with the Atlanta Falcons?

The one obvious question left for the Atlanta Falcons this off-season is what they will do with linebacker Deion Jones?  Jones is one of the final pieces from Atlanta’s previous front office still facing questions. Jake Matthews and Grady Jarrett have been extended while the team has moved past the rest of their old core. Deion Jones is the one player who hasn’t been cut, traded, or extended.

Deion Jones is currently Atlanta’s largest scheduled active cap hit at $20 million. As a post-June 1st trade Jones would count for only $5-million against the cap while saving Atlanta $14-million in flexibility they could use to improve during the season. If the Falcons cut Jones they save very little against the cap limiting the moves the team can make.

If another team isn’t willing to deal for Jones the Falcons will be better off sticking with Deion one more season and hoping his level of play bounces back from the regression we watched last season.

The right answer for the Falcons is exactly what they have done thus far with Deion. They should continue to listen to any and all offers while preparing the team to play with Jones as a key member.

Deion Jones has only two years remaining on his deal. If he is unable to bounce back this season or Atlanta doesn’t find the right trade offer they can part ways next off-season. Jones would count for only $5-million against the cap if cut next season. Considering the amount of cap Atlanta has been willing to deal with this off-season (upwards of $60-million) cutting Deion Jones is certainly an option.

However, now isn’t the right time considering the inexperience the Falcons currently have at the linebacker position. They would be far better served to head into the season with Deion on the roster and wait and see who steps up at the position.

Last season of poor play was the outlier for Jones who has had a good career. Giving him time to rebuild value while evaluating your current options is the best move for the Atlanta Falcons.