Deion Jones added as Browns aim to correct defensive struggles
By Randy Gurzi
The Cleveland Browns need help at linebacker and they made a huge move on Sunday night by adding Deion Jones in a trade with the Atlanta Falcons
It’s no secret the Cleveland Browns defense has struggled this season, especially when it comes to stopping the run. They were gashed by the Atlanta Falcons in Week 4 and then the Los Angeles Chargers did the same, despite being the worst rushing league in the game before facing the Browns.
Unhappy with the performance, general manager Andrew Berry decided to do something about it as he made a trade with the Falcons on Sunday night to bring in former Pro Bowl linebacker Deion Jones.
Jones has yet to play in 2022 after shoulder surgery in the offseason but he did restructure his deal in a way that helps the Browns afford him over the next two seasons.
The #Falcons will carry a $12.14 million dead cap hit in 2023 from Deion Jones, who has no guarantees remaining on his contract beyond 2022.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 10, 2022
The #Browns owe Jones about $1.39 million in salary for the rest of this season, plus $31,250 for each game he's active.
Deion Jones fills a major need
Cleveland lost Anthony Walker to a quad tear in Week 2 and while the defense struggled even when he was on the field, they’ve gotten worse over the past few weeks. Jones comes in with 652 career tackles as well as 40 tackles for a loss, 8.5 sacks, and five interceptions.
He’s played middle linebacker for the majority of his career and that’s exactly where the Browns are going to need him.
The one question now is how long it will take for him to be on the field. Cleveland plays New England next week, and they just had a day to remember on the ground, led by Rhamondre Stevenson who had 161 yards in their win over the Lions. It would be nice to have him out there, but that might be a stretch.
Cleveland is currently 2-3 but they’re still in the race for the AFC North with the leaders sitting at 3-2. Making this move shows they’re willing to keep fighting as they wait for Deshaun Watson to return in December for the final six games.
