The Atlanta Falcons freed up some cap space by restructuring linebacker Deion Jones‘ contract on Tuesday. Jones, the team’s highest-paid player, had $8.5 million of his salary converted into a $6.8 million bonus.
The Falcons also added three voidable years to his contract to ensure Jones gets his money sooner, according to ESPN’s Field Yates.
A couple of contract restructures for cap space:
-Lions converted $4M of DT Michael Brockers' salary into a bonus for $2M
-Falcons converted $8.5M of LB Deion Jones’ salary into a bonus (with 3 void years added) for $6.8M. Jones get his salary payout sooner as part of the deal
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) September 13, 2022
Jones was placed on the injured reserve list prior to Week 1, along with cornerback Isaiah Oliver, defensive lineman Marlon Davidson, offensive lineman Jalen Mayfield and tight end John FitzPatrick.
Atlanta will likely be looking to move on from the former Pro Bowl linebacker, whose role had diminished in the team’s 3-4 defense. Mykal Walker and Rashaan Evans started for Atlanta at inside linebacker during the team’s loss to the Saints in Week 1.
According to OverTheCap.com, the Falcons now have about $9.5 million in cap space.