Former Atlanta Falcons linebacker Deion Jones has not had a very easy ride after leaving the team that drafted the former LSU star in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft. After two failed attempts to exact some revenge on the Falcons by joining NFC South foes, Jones is now hoping the third time is the charm.
The Louisiana native agreed to a contract with the New Orleans Saints as they try to fill the hole vacated by franchise great Demario Davis. This came after Davis spent two years as a backup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and spent one season as a below-average starter with the Carolina Panthers.
While Falcons fans may remember Jones fondly for how his career in Atlanta started, it didn't end on the best of notes. Constabtly trying to kick dirt in Atlanta's face by signing with all of their biggest rivals could have been some poetic justice if Jones was a good player, but he hasn't lived up to his end of the bargain.
Former Atlanta Falcons LB Deion Jones signed with Saints in NFC South revenge tour
Jones' first two seasons with the Falcons were marvelous, as he finished third in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting in 2016 and made the Pro Bowl in 2017. After being limited to six games in 2018, Jones never recovered. Jones' stats belie his capabilities in coverage and run defense, as his tackles obscured what turned out to be some poor performances.
The Falcons would eventually sign Jones to a four-year contract extension worth $57 million, but they would soon come to regret that deal. Even with sub-4.40 40-yard dash speed and an ability for finding himself in the right place enough times to pick off a few passes, the Falcons and Jones ultimately parted ways before the conclusion of that contract.
Jones' post-Falcons life has seen him jump between three teams in four years. After a role on a seven-win Cleveland Browns team, Jones joined the Carolina Panthers and anchored a defense that won...two games. He spent the last two seasons in Tampa Bay, but he was never a starter.
Maybe after signing for a third non-Atlanta NFC South team, Jones will finally be able to take home another division title at the Falcons' expense while actually playing a role in the defense. Judging how the last few years have gone, however, Falcons fans shouldn't be too worried.
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