The Cowboys is one step away to make a move for former Pro Bowler Deion Jones.
The Dallas Cowboys have some new cap space following the June 1 release designation of Ezekiel Elliott, and former Pro Bowler Deion Jones makes a lot of sense as a potentially great addition ahead of training camp. Jones remains a free agent and the linebacker will reconnect with Falcons head coach Dan Quinn before signing with the Cowboys. Christopher Knox of Bleacher Report labeled Jones as one of the top available veterans for Dallas this summer.
“With a focus on improving the run defense, Dallas would be wise to take a long look at linebacker Deion Jones,” Knox wrote on June 26, 2023. “Jones—who previously played under defensive coordinator Dan Quinn with the Atlanta Falcons—is still a very sound all-around defender.
“… System familiarity could be a factor here. Jones knows what Quinn likes to do defensively, and he’d have an easier time than most joining the team just before training camp and finding a fit. Of course, it also helps that the 28-year-old is still a productive player.”
The Dallas Cowboys signed former Pro Bowler Deion Jones, reuniting the linebacker with Dan Quinn. Jones is coming off the worst statistical season of his career during his lone year with the Browns. Prior to 2022, Jones had topped 100 tackles in five of his six seasons with the Falcons.
The defender recorded 44 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 3 quarterback hits, 2.5 sacks, 1 interception, and a forced fumble in 11 games for Cleveland last season. Jones is just a year away from posting 137 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, 6 pass deflections and 4 quarterback hits with the Falcons in 2021.
The star linebacker played some of his best football during Quinn’s tenure in Atlanta. We’ve also seen Dallas reuniting Quinn with some of their past players, including Damonte Kazee and Tak McKinley, who was released by the Cowboys as recently as June 9. Under Quinn, Jones achieved career highs in 2017 appearances in the Pro Bowl with 138 tackles and 3 interceptions.
However, Deion Jones is signing a four-year, $57 million contract with the Falcons that was negotiated with the Browns last October. Given his production last season, Dallas may be able to get Jones on the cheap for a year.
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