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The Buffalo Bills are parting ways with a Pro Bowl linebacker in a move that could clear room for a hometown favorite.
The team announced on August 25 that they released veteran linebacker Deion Jones in the first round of cuts ahead of Tuesday’s final roster deadline. Jones had joined the team earlier in the offseason as a move to provide depth and experience to the team’s linebacking corps.
Some insiders had predicted the move after Jones struggled during training camp and the team’s three preseason games, suggesting that his release could allow local standout Joe Andreessen to make the final roster.
Deion Jones Among Seven Players Released on Sunday
The Bills made an initial round of cuts on Sunday before trimming down to the final 53 players on August 27. Along with Jones, the Bills also released quarterback Anthony Brown, wide receiver Damiere Byrd, offensive lineman Kevin Jarvis, defensive end Rondell Bothroyd, linebacker Shayne Simon and cornerback Kyron Brown.
Jones was the most accomplished of the group, having started 91 games over the course of his eight-year career. Though Jones was named to the Pro Bowl in 2017, his second season with the Atlanta Falcons, he moved into a reserve role in the last two seasons. Jones started three games in 13 appearances for the Carolina Panthers last season, making 35 tackles with 1 sack.
Bleacher Report’s David Kenyon had predicted the Bills would release Jones, noting that Andreessen’s strong preseason may have allowed him to win a spot on the roster ahead of the veteran.
“Because of injuries, there’s a chance Deion Jones sticks in Buffalo for a bit. At this point, however, hope of Jones reclaiming his early career form is more wishful than anything,” Kenyon wrote on August 23. “Joe Andreessen’s recent emergence may have shifted Jones to the wrong side of the roster bubble.”
Buffalo-Area Native Makes Bid for Roster
Andreessen, who grew up in nearby Lancaster and played his final college season at the University of Buffalo before joining the Bills as an undrafted free agent, has been one of the biggest surprises of the preseason.
After leading the Bills with 12 tackles in the second preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Andreessen added another eight tackles against the Panthers. He also saw time on special teams, serving on both the coverage and return teams.
Speaking to reporters after Saturday’s game, Andreessen said it has been a whirlwind experience joining his hometown team.
“I mean, the last week’s been a little crazy,” Andreessen said, via the team’s official website. “Had a lot more on my plate this week, I would say, in terms of just responsibility and stuff like that. But yeah, I mean, I’m here to try and continue my career and trying to be the best I can for this organization.”
Andreessen added that he did all he could to make the final roster, with the decision now resting with coaches.
“Yeah, I think I proved I could play,” Andreessen said. “But you know, that’s not obviously up to me. Trying not to worry about things out of my control.”