With the loss of Stefon Diggs, the Buffalo Bills are heading into an uncertain future that may take them quite a while to become Super Bowl contenders again.
They still have Josh Allen, one of the NFL’s best quarterbacks, but without big guns around him, they will likely have to win with more defense than they have in recent years.
On Thursday, they reportedly decided to sign Deion Jones, an interior lineman who spent last season with the Carolina Panthers, according to Adam Schefter.
The Bills signed former Panthers and Falcons free agent quarterback Deion Jones to a one-year deal, according to sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 2, 2024
Jones, a second-round draft pick in 2016, was once a promising young player for the Atlanta Falcons.
As a rookie, he recorded 108 tackles (75 solo), 11 passes defensed, and three interceptions, two of which he returned for touchdowns, while helping the Falcons inch closer to a Super Bowl championship.
The following year, he made the Pro Bowl, but since then, his production has declined.
Jones joins a capable and talented defense but stumbled for most of the 2023 season, but still finished fourth in points allowed.
Buffalo will have to lean on their defense from now on, as well as Allen’s ability to stretch plays and move the chains with his feet.
In addition to throwing for 4,306 yards and 29 touchdowns, Allen added 15 touchdowns and 524 yards on the ground last season.
They also have to limit their mistakes on offense — Allen has 18 interceptions in 2023, which is second-most behind Sam Howell.
In an improving AFC, it will be very difficult for a Bills team that barely made the playoffs last season to get back there this winter.
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“Bills GM Says Josh Allen ‘Pretty Excited’ About 1 Draft Pick”.