The Cleveland Browns attempted to shake things up at the second level of their defense, trading for linebacker Deion Jones from the Atlanta Falcons. We take a look here at the remainder of his contract, and what the financial ramifications are for the Browns moving forward.
Using OverTheCap, we dive right in.
Jones restructured his contract with the Atlanta Falcons before the season started, converting nearly $7 million of his base salary into a bonus. This means that his remaining base salary is just over $1.1 million, but Jones also carries a roster bonus of $567,059 as well. This means the Browns will owe Jones an additional $35,000 per game he is active (currently not active and still on Injured Reserve).
Heading into next season, however, Jones carries a base salary of about $12 million, with a roster bonus of over $700,000 as well in 2023. However, Jones brings no dead money if the Browns were to part ways with him.
Giving up just a future sixth round pick for Jones and a future seventh round pick, there would be no harm, no foul in cutting the almost 28-year-old linebacker if he continues on his current trajectory of play.
Should Jones return to his former form (and he still has youth in his legs), then it would be likely the Browns would look to restructure his contract. The solution would more than likely be to add a year to his contract but cut the guarantees in half (this is what Jarvis Landry wanted to do).
All of this is dependent on his play, however, and the recent tape is not all too promising. Hoping for the best, realism remains as it is likely Jones’ stay in Cleveland will more than likely be a short one as the Browns will look for a younger, more talented linebacker in the offseason.
Should the Browns carry Jones and his $12 million next season, cuts and restructures would have to be made elsewhere as they currently sit $3 million over the cap. However, this number is quite manipulatable, so there is no reason to be concerned. Besides, the Browns are on pace to carry over an exorbitant amount of money from their 2022 savings.
This move is a move of a competitive team looking to immediately plug a gap to get back to winning ways. It is still to be determined whether or not Jones does the trick. He has yet to play this season, but can be designated for return at any moment. Fingers crossed that Jones can make an impact for this team that is struggling to stop the run.
