Carolina Panthers should monitor Deion Jones
Damien Wilson’s offseason arrest has the scope to throw a wrench into the Carolina Panthers’ plans at middle linebacker in 2022. This position has become a poisoned chalice since Luke Kuechly decided to retire on health grounds following the 2019 campaign, which is a far cry from the high standard of players who’ve occupied this role throughout franchise history.
Depending on what emerges from Wilson’s current situation, it could result in the Panthers looking at alternative options if they are forced to release the Super Bowl winner before he’s played a snap. Time is on their side, so keeping an eye on Deion Jones’ future with the Atlanta Falcons is something to consider.
Jones won’t be participating in Atlanta’s offseason workouts after undergoing shoulder surgery. If the linebacker doesn’t have any further complications and checks out medically, then the Falcons might opt to cut him loose and save themselves $1.07 million along the way.
That’s not exactly a big saving against the cap. But it would allow the Falcons to explore long-term options with little expected of the team in 2022 – the first season since Matt Ryan was traded to the Indianapolis Colts.
The former second-round pick managed to accumulate 137 tackles last season. However, there were times of struggle which cannot be overlooked.