Deion Jones is the latest Atlanta Falcon to restructure his contract to help save millions on the salary cap. According to Field Yates of ESPN, Jones’ new deal fully guarantees his 2022 salary while saving just over $4M on the 2021 cap.
Jones deferred that $4M to next season, and his salary is fully guaranteed for 2022.
The Falcons have spent just over $10M in free agency so far this year with additions like running back Mike Davis, safety Erik Harris, and linebacker Brandon Copeland.
They’re going to need the extra room under the cap to sign their upcoming draft class which could include the No.4 overall pick. If they trade down in the round, their first round pick might not be as expensive, but then again, they could end up with two first rounders this in April depending if they trade down and strike a good deal.
Jones was a second round pick by the Falcons in the 2016 draft, and he has been spectacular in Atlanta. A pro-bowl selection in 2017, Jones was injured in 2018 and only played six games. He returned in 2019 and has posted over 100 tackles each of the last two seasons.
A bit undersized at 215 pounds but incredibly fast, Jones is a excellent in pass coverage and has 11 career interceptions. He uses his quickness in pursuit and has 32 career tackles for loss including nine last year with 4.5 sacks.
Jones joins a host of other Falcons who have restructured their deals this year including Matt Ryan and Jake Matthews among others.
With a cap hit at just over $20M according to SportRac, Grady Jarrett should be next on the list to get a new deal and create some cap flexibility while locking down a stalwart on the defensive line.
