Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills runs past Deion Jones #54 of the Cleveland Browns
The Buffalo Bills bolstered their linebacking corps this offseason by signing Deion Jones, an experienced former Pro Bowler. However, as the final roster cutdown approaches, Jones’ position on the team is far from secure. Despite being brought in to add veteran depth behind projected starter Terrel Bernard, Jones has failed to make a significant impact during training camp and the preseason, placing him on the roster bubble.
Jones, an eight-year NFL veteran, was a standout player in his early years with the Atlanta Falcons, where he started 83 games and earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2017. However, his production has dipped in recent seasons, and last year he found himself in a reserve role with the Carolina Panthers, starting only three games. This decline has led some, including Bleacher Report’s David Kenyon, to question whether Jones’ best days are behind him.
“Because of injuries, there’s a chance Deion Jones sticks in Buffalo for a bit,” Kenyon wrote. “At this point, however, hope of Jones reclaiming his early career form is more wishful than anything.”
While injuries to key players could extend Jones’ stay with the team, his competition for a roster spot has stiffened significantly, thanks to the rise of rookie linebacker Joe Andreessen. A local product from Lancaster, New York, Andreessen has emerged as a surprise contender. After earning his way onto the roster with a standout rookie minicamp tryout, Andreessen has continued to impress during OTAs, training camp, and the preseason.
Andreessen’s breakout moment came during the Bills’ preseason win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 17. Starting in place of Bernard, Andreessen recorded a game-high 12 tackles while also serving as the defensive signal-caller, earning high praise from his teammates, including defensive end Greg Rousseau.
“He’s that guy. You couldn’t sense any fear with Joe,” Rousseau said. “Stepped up to the plate, called it [the defense cues] with the 1s. It was great seeing him fly around here, making open-field tackles and doing his thing.”
https://twitter.com/Jones11_/status/1824954108463530288
With Andreessen’s impressive preseason performances and Bernard’s absence, Jones’ grip on his roster spot has weakened. As the final cuts loom, the veteran linebacker’s fate remains uncertain. Jones’ experience may still offer value to the Bills, but the unexpected rise of Andreessen could push him to the edge, forcing Buffalo to make a difficult decision.
Jones may find his tenure with the Bills in jeopardy, especially with Andreessen seemingly ready to step into a bigger role. However, the situation remains fluid, and the final preseason game will likely play a significant role in determining whether the seasoned veteran or the rising rookie secures a spot on the 53-man roster.
