With star wide receiver Stefon Diggs now gone, the Buffalo Bills are heading into an uncertain future that could see them take quite some time to become Super Bowl contenders again.
They still have Josh Allen, one of the NFL’s best quarterbacks, but without any big-time weapons around him, they will likely have to win with defense more than they have in recent years.
On Thursday, they reportedly decided to sign Deion Jones, an interior linebacker who spent last season with the Carolina Panthers, per Adam Schefter.
Bills are signing former Panthers and Falcons free-agent linebacker Deion Jones to a one-year deal, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 2, 2024
Jones, a second-round draft pick in 2016, was once a promising young player for the Atlanta Falcons.
As a rookie, he recorded 108 tackles (75 solo), 11 passes defended, and three interceptions, two of which he returned for touchdowns, while helping the Falcons get to the brink of a Super Bowl championship.
The following year, he made the Pro Bowl, but since then, his production has fallen.
Jones is joining a defense that is capable and talented but was hobbled for much of the 2023 season, yet still finished fourth in points allowed.
Buffalo will have to lean on their defense from now on, as well as Allen’s ability to extend plays and move the chains with his legs.
In addition to throwing for 4,306 yards and 29 touchdowns, Allen added 15 touchdowns and 524 yards on the ground last season.
They will also have to limit their mistakes on offense — Allen threw 18 interceptions in 2023, which was the second-most behind only Sam Howell.
In an improved AFC, it will be very difficult for a Bills team that barely made the playoffs last season to get back there this winter.
