The Falcons have secured another critical piece of their defense, and they got this one at a steal. Just two days after signing defensive tackle Grady Jarrett to a four-year extension, Atlanta extended middle linebacker Deion Jones. According to Adam Schefter at ESPN, the deal is worth $57 million over the next four years. Given everything that Jones does for the Falcons defense, that’s quite a value.
Heading into 2019, C.J. Mosley (Jets) is the highest paid inside linebacker in the NFL – his deal averages $17 million. Jones’ deal will rank him second at the position in annual salary.
By the time Luke Kuechly (Panthers) and Bobby Wagner (Seahawks) re-up on their own extensions, Jones’ contract could qualify as a great bargain.
Jones’ importance for Atlanta’s defense was reinforced last season when he missed 10 games due to a foot injury suffered Week 1. His wasn’t the unit’s only major injury, but Jones’ absence played a serious role in a massive regression. The Falcons went from having a top-10 defense the previous year to finishing 2018 ranked No. 25 in points allowed.
With their middle linebacker locked up, Atlanta can turn its attention to rewarding its best athlete.
Wide receiver Julio Jones’ recent social media posts have raised speculation he’s also about to sign a new deal.
