3 Atlanta Falcons who could be facing their last chance this season

Jun 14, 2022; Flowery Branch, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterbacks Desmond Ridder (4) and Marcus Mariota (1) pass on the field during Minicamp at the Falcons Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 14, 2022; Flowery Branch, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterbacks Desmond Ridder (4) and Marcus Mariota (1) pass on the field during Minicamp at the Falcons Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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Atlanta Falcons
Jan 2, 2022; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Atlanta Falcons inside linebacker Deion Jones (45) looks on as the reflection of Highmark Stadium shows in his visor prior to the game against the Buffalo Bills. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Deion Jones

There have already been trade rumors surrounding Deion Jones this off-season and if not for an off-season injury it wouldn’t have been surprising to see Deion dealt. He is the only member of the old Atlanta core whose future remains in doubt with the rest either gone in trades of free agency or locked up to new long-term deals. Jones currently stands as Atlanta’s largest cap hit despite being a huge question mark for the team this season.

Jones noticeably regressed over the last two seasons and it has left a lot of question marks as to what level he is still capable of playing at for Atlanta? At his best Jones is a solid cover linebacker with the speed to play sideline to sideline and erase mistakes. It was his impressive speed and playmaking ability that helped make him an integral part of the defense that led Atlanta to their last playoff success.

The Falcons need to bring Jones back this season with an open mind allowing the linebacker to prove he is still that player. Even if he fails to play at the level of his first three seasons the Falcons could still move him if the front office decides he is a part of the team’s past not future.