Deion Jones
The Bills came into this offseason putting a high priority on the linebacker spot. In free agency, the team added Nicholas Morrow and Deion Jones, while adding Edefuan Ulofoshio in the draft. With questions concerning Matt Milano’s availability to begin the season, the Bills wanted as much depth at the position as they could find. However, the question remains, is there too much depth at linebacker?
The Bills already have their starters on the roster if Milano can’t go Week 1, Terrel Bernard, Dorian Williams, and Nicholas Morrow. How many backups do they keep, though? That number is likely two, and Baylon Spector and Edefuan Ulofoshio get first dibs at that job. That leaves their other veteran addition, Deion Jones, unemployed.
Jones came over on a free-agent deal in May after spending last year with the Carolina Panthers. He has eight seasons of starting experience and could help another team that needs a linebacker more than the Bills do. In hindsight, this signing was a need for the Bills after the draft, even if Jones doesn’t make the team. There’s just too much depth here for Jones to make an impact, or put any film on tape for other teams looking for a linebacker. The Bills have their five linebackers on the roster already, and Jones isn’t one of them.