Deion Jones has not played in 2024, but that could change relatively soon. The veteran linebacker is signing with the Buccaneers, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports.
To little surprise, this will be a practice squad agreement. Such moves are common amongst veteran free agents as they look to play their way onto an active roster over time. Jones could be used as a gameday elevation up to three times if Tampa Bay intends to use him as a depth contributor on defense.
The 30-year-old was a full-time starter as recently as 2021, his final year with the Falcons. Jones spent six seasons in Atlanta, earning a Pro Bowl nod along the way and making an impact against the pass in particular. He had a one-year stint with the Browns in 2022, followed by a return to the NFC South with the Panthers last year. In both cases, he handled a much smaller role than he held during his Falcons years.
The LSU product made 13 appearances with Carolina in 2023, but his 38% defensive snap share represented by far the lowest mark of his career. Jones caught on with the Bills this offseason in a bid to fill at least a part-team role with Buffalo. He found himself as a longshot to make the opening day roster, however, and was released in August. This Bucs deal will give Jones the opportunity to see playing time in 2024 after a lengthy in-season free agent period.
Tampa Bay has Lavonte David and K.J. Britt in place as linebacker starters, but with SirVocea Dennis likely out for the remainder of the season, depth at the second level would be welcomed. Jones, who has 114 combined regular and postseason games to his name, would add considerable experience to the lineup if he were to see playing time down the stretch. The Buccaneers sit at 7-6 on the year and currently lead the NFC South; Jones could have a role to play late in the campaign and/or during the playoffs should the team qualify.
