Browns trade for Falcons' Deion Jones
The Atlanta Falcons traded linebacker Deion Jones to the Cleveland Browns, the team announced Monday.
Cleveland acquired Jones and a seventh-round pick in 2024 in exchange for a 2024 sixth-round selection.
Jones will earn about $1.39 million for the rest of this season after restructuring his deal earlier this year, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. He has no guarantees remaining on his contract beyond 2022.
The Falcons, who originally gave Jones a four-year, $57-million extension in 2017, will carry a $12.14-million dead cap hit in 2023.
Atlanta kicked off a new era last year after hiring head coach Arthur Smith and general manager Terry Fontenot. The NFC South club has since parted ways with several veteran players, including quarterback Matt Ryan and wide receiver Julio Jones.
Deion Jones is currently on injured reserve after undergoing surgery on his right shoulder during the offseason. He hasn't played in 2022.
The 27-year-old joins a Cleveland defense that has struggled. The Browns' defensive unit is coming off perhaps its worst performance of the year after allowing 465 total yards and 28 points to the Los Angeles Chargers. Cleveland has now allowed at least 200 rushing yards in back-to-back contests.
A Pro Bowler in 2017, Jones has made 85 appearances since entering the NFL as a second-round pick in 2016. He's averaged 131 tackles, two sacks, two interceptions, and nine pass breakups per 17 games played throughout his career.
The Browns' linebacker depth chart also includes Jacob Phillips and Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, among others.