A former stalwart for the Falcons, Jones is basically bouncing around as linebacker injuries accumulate at this point in his career as a non-solution. The 30-year-old had been with the Bills in training camp and was released at last cuts.

The 2016 second-rounder has become something of a journeyman, making 13 appearances and three starts for the Panthers last season after similar 2022 usage in Cleveland. Still on the right side of 30, Jones is landing in a defense whose depth has been tested by injury and salary cap problems. He is the kind of player whom defensive-minded head coach Sean McDermott could make useful for a season.

Jones was traded from Atlanta to Cleveland last year. He tallied 2.5 sacks and 44 total tackles in 11 games with the Browns. The Panthers then signed him but ultimately released him at the end of training camp. He joined their practice squad and will not be a permanent member of the team’s 53-man roster.

Jones joined the Panthers in late July, but was unable to crack the 53-man roster out of camp. The veteran linebacker played with the Falcons and Browns last season, totaling 44 tackles, six TFLs, and one interception over 11 games, but has struggled to return to the form that led to a Pro Bowl appearance in 2017. Jones could still be a valued presence in the right situation, but it’s been a difficult few months for the former stud linebacker.