3 post-June 1 cut/trade candidates who could entice Commanders

1. Deion Jones

The Deion Jones saga in Atlanta is a strange one. Initially, the team was widely expected to trade Jones with a post-June 1 designation. Last week, though, head coach Arthur Smith revealed the linebacker underwent shoulder surgery that will likely knock him out for the duration of the offseason.

That definitely complicates the Falcons’ plans, as no team is going to absorb $13.64 million in guaranteed payments for a player who not only just went under the knife, but is coming off by far the worst season of his career. For context, Jones allowed 884 yards in coverage in 2021, the second-most among linebackers.

A change of scenery would definitely benefit Jones as he finished third in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting in 2016 and made the Pro Bowl as a sophomore. He’s also totaled more than 100 tackles in five of six seasons, has 44 career passes defended, 40 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, 20 QB hits and 11 interceptions.

The Falcons would go over $80 million in dead cap if they released Jones, which would set an NFL record. They’re clearly suffering the consequences of guaranteeing Jones’ $9.64 million salary for 2022 after he agreed to a deferral last offseason, so maybe they’ll bite the bullet and cut ties with him altogether.

The Commanders should employ a wait-and-see approach with Jones. If he’s released and his medical checks out, get him on the phone. If the Falcons are unable to move him altogether, perhaps Washington can revisit the idea of acquiring him in the middle of the season if he rediscovers his pre-2021 form if they don’t acquire another linebacker between now and then.