What Happened to Deion Jones?
Deion Jones is an American professional football linebacker who has played for multiple NFL teams since being drafted in 2016. After a Pro Bowl season with the Atlanta Falcons, his career saw transitions through the Cleveland Browns, Carolina Panthers, Buffalo Bills, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, eventually signing with his hometown New Orleans Saints in August 2026.
Quick Answer
Deion Jones, a veteran NFL linebacker, most recently signed a one-year deal with the New Orleans Saints on August 7, 2026. He previously played for the Atlanta Falcons, Cleveland Browns, Carolina Panthers, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where his production saw a decline after a strong start to his career, including a Pro Bowl selection in 2017.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline13 events
Born in New Orleans, Louisiana
Deion Jones was born in New Orleans, Louisiana.
College Career at LSU
Jones played college football for the LSU Tigers, thriving as a senior after three years as a backup.
Drafted by Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons selected Deion Jones in the second round (52nd overall) of the 2016 NFL Draft.
Named to PFWA All-Rookie Team
Jones made an immediate impact in his rookie season, earning a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team.
Earns Pro Bowl Selection
Jones had a standout season, leading the Falcons in tackles and earning his first Pro Bowl selection.
Signs $57 Million Extension with Falcons
Jones signed a four-year, $57 million contract extension with the Atlanta Falcons, including $34 million guaranteed.
Traded to Cleveland Browns
The Falcons traded Jones and a 2024 seventh-round pick to the Cleveland Browns for a 2024 sixth-round pick.
Signs with Carolina Panthers
Jones signed with the Carolina Panthers, though he was later released and re-signed to their practice squad.
Signs One-Year Deal with Buffalo Bills
Jones signed a one-year contract with the Buffalo Bills, but was cut before the regular season.
Signed to Tampa Bay Buccaneers Practice Squad
Jones joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' practice squad.
Signs Reserve/Future Contract with Buccaneers
Jones signed a reserve/future contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Plays 17 Games for Buccaneers
Jones appeared in all 17 games for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, recording 29 tackles, primarily in a reserve role.
Signs with New Orleans Saints
Deion Jones signed a one-year deal with the New Orleans Saints, his hometown team, completing his tenure with all four NFC South teams.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Deion Jones, born November 4, 1994, emerged as a promising linebacker from LSU, known for his exceptional speed and coverage abilities. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the second round (52nd overall) of the 2016 NFL Draft. Jones quickly made an impact, earning a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team in 2016 and a Pro Bowl selection in 2017, where he led the Falcons with 138 combined tackles. His early career was marked by consistent high tackle numbers and significant playmaking, including multiple interceptions returned for touchdowns.
A key turning point in Jones' career came with a four-year, $57 million contract extension with the Falcons in July 2019, which included $34 million guaranteed. However, injuries, including a foot ailment in 2018, began to impact his performance and snap counts. While he continued to put up tackle numbers, his overall defensive grades and impact started to dip in the subsequent seasons.
In 2022, Jones was traded from the Falcons to the Cleveland Browns, a move that also involved restructuring his contract. He played 11 games with the Browns, recording 2.5 sacks and 44 tackles. The following year, 2023, saw him sign with the Carolina Panthers, where he was initially released before re-signing to their practice squad and eventually playing in 13 games, finishing with a career-low 35 tackles. His production continued to decline, with his PFF defensive grade in 2025 with the Buccaneers being 41.6.
Jones' journey continued in 2024, signing a one-year deal with the Buffalo Bills in May, though he was later cut. He then joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' practice squad in December 2024, signing a reserve/future contract in January 2025. He appeared in all 17 games for the Buccaneers in 2025, recording 29 tackles, primarily in a reserve and special teams role. As of August 7, 2026, Deion Jones has signed a one-year deal with the New Orleans Saints, marking his return to his hometown and making him a member of all four NFC South teams throughout his career. He is expected to fill a backup role for the Saints.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Deion Jones made different choices?