What's the Plan for New Panthers Linebacker Deion Jones?

The Carolina Panthers felt like they could use some help at linebacker, so they went out and picked up a familiar face in former Atlanta Falcon, Deion Jones.

Jones spent the 2022 season with the Cleveland Browns but was limited to just eleven games due to a shoulder injury. Now, he's back in the NFC South, a division he's called home for the majority of his career. 

"Everything just made sense. They made me feel welcomed. They gave me an opportunity and I'm just ready to get back to ball and get back to flying around," Jones said. "The coaching staff, team, and it seems like a good locker room."

Jones does have some experience playing outside linebacker, but it's unlikely that he will be the guy they've been searching for to line up opposite of Brian Burns. 

"He's a playmaker. He's had production. Athletic guy. Smart guy," said head coach Frank Reich. "I do think Deion has some versatility. I think we primarily see him as an inside guy, but I don't like to limit guys. He certainly has enough experience and all the systems that he's played in, coaches he's played under. Personally, I need to get to know his game a little bit more. Obviously, EJ and the defensive staff will lead that effort but excited to have him, his experience, his versatility on the team."

If the Panthers elect to stay put and not add another pass rusher, this could mean Frankie Luvu slides to the outside to make room for Jones inside. Regardless of their plan for Jones, Luvu is someone that will see snaps both inside and out.