There has been some speculation about the Cleveland Browns potentially reuniting with former Pro-Bowl linebacker Deion Jones, who was traded to the team during last season. Jacob Roach of USA Today’s Browns Wire suggested that Jones could provide valuable depth and quality snaps as a non-superstar player. However, according to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, the Browns front office doesn’t appear to share the same sentiment and currently have no plans to bring back Jones for the upcoming season.
Cabot explained that the Browns are comfortable with their linebacker room, especially with the expected return of several players who suffered season-ending injuries. If Anthony Walker Jr., Sione Takitaki, Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, and Jacob Phillips can all stay healthy, the team believes they will have a robust linebacking corps this season. However, relying on the injury histories of these players is a substantial risk.
Considering the Browns’ significant investments in their defense, it may be puzzling to some why they would not pursue a player like Jones. With nearly $16.9 million in salary cap space remaining for 2023, the team certainly has the financial resources to bring in additional talent. While Jones’ most recent contract with the Atlanta Falcons was worth $57 million over four years, he could likely be acquired at a lower price this season and in the future.
Jones could serve as an excellent insurance policy for the Browns at a reasonable price. Although his Pro-Bowl days may be behind him, he showed his value last season by appearing in 11 games and earning five starts amid the team’s injury issues at the linebacker position.
Another free agent option the Browns could consider is Myles Jack, formerly of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Roach noted that the Browns need an inside linebacker who can be a tackling machine, and Jack fits the bill. He has finished with over 100 tackles in four of the last five seasons and could provide experience and veteran leadership to the linebacker room. However, Jack may come at a higher cost compared to Jones.
Ultimately, the decision rests with the Browns’ front office. If they choose to stand pat with their current linebacker group, it may be a risky move considering the injury concerns of key players. However, if they do decide to pursue another linebacker, both Jones and Jack offer their own unique set of skills and experience to bolster the defense. It will be interesting to see how the Browns approach this situation in the coming weeks leading up to training camp.
