Open Nav
Players
    Articles
      Shark Bites
        Show Navigation
        Show Menu
        FANTASY FOOTBALL NEWS

        Jones returns; does he start?

        By Jared Smola | Updated on Sat, Aug 27 2022 11:14 AM UTC
        Deion Jones Headshot

        Falcons LB Deion Jones returned to the practice field this week for the 1st time following offseason shoulder surgery. He worked with 3rd- and 4th-stringers, though, according to the team website. The highly paid also saw time on the punt team. "I'll give Deion credit, because he's going to come out here and he's going to compete," HC Arthur Smith said afterward. "He's going to work his way back in. It's going to be hard to get on the field in that room. And that's what you want with that competition. Rashaan [Evans] and Mykal Walker are doing a great job. We gotta see what Troy [Andersen] can do. [Nathan] Landman, Dorian [Etheridge]? They've had good preseasons. It's going to play itself out." Jones was the subject of trade/cut rumors before the shoulder surgery sidelined him. Atlanta would probably love to trade him for pretty much anything, which would offer salary-cap relief. Cutting Jones, on the other hand, would cost nearly $25 million in dead cap. The final year on his contract (2023) has much more cuttable terms. All of that is complicated by Jones coming off -- by far -- the poorest-graded season of his career. It seems likely that Rahsaan Evans and Mykal Walker start ahead of him, at least to open the season. Don't be afraid to just avoid the whole Falcons LB situation in your IDP drafts.

        Jared Smola Author Image
        Jared Smola, Lead Analyst
        Jared has been with Draft Sharks since 2007. He’s now Lead Analyst, heading up the preseason and weekly projections that fuel your Draft War Room and My Team tools. He currently ranks sixth among 158 analysts in draft rankings accuracy.
        Premium Content Premium ContentCould Michael Penix Make The Falcons A Must-Draft Offense?

        Could Michael Penix Make The Falcons A Must-Draft Offense?

        8:38pm UTC 6/30/25

        A loaded supporting cast, improved QB play, and offensive continuity set the stage for Atlanta to deliver serious fantasy value in 2025.

        Read More »
        Video: Draft These WRs. Win Your League.

        Video: Draft These WRs. Win Your League.

        2:20pm UTC 6/30/25

        We’re breaking down the top three tiers of our WR rankings, including studs you can trust, stars you should fade, and breakout picks that Jared and Matt can’t agree on.

        Read More »
        2026 NFL Mock Draft Seven Rounds: Get the Edge Before Everyone Else

        2026 NFL Mock Draft Seven Rounds: Get the Edge Before Everyone Else

        12:00pm UTC 6/30/25

        The 2026 NFL Draft is shaping up to make a BIG impact -- especially at QB. But will your future picks lose their shine if the skill positions flop?

        Read More »
        Compare Plans » Compare Plans »