Pro Bowler’s Best Days May Be Over
Kenyon identified Jones as a player the Bills should consider releasing during final roster cuts, pointing out that Jones hasn’t stood out during training camp or the preseason.
Jones joined the Bills with a solid NFL resume, including six productive seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, where he started 83 games and recorded over 100 tackles in five of those years. He also earned a Pro Bowl nod in 2017. However, his role has diminished in recent years, with Jones starting just three games for the Carolina Panthers last season and making 35 tackles.
Kenyon suggested that while injuries might give Jones a chance to stick around, his best days are likely behind him, making it uncertain whether he’ll secure a spot on the final roster.
Joe Andreessen Could Oust Deion Jones
Kenyon also highlighted the unexpected rise of hometown linebacker Joe Andreessen, who might push Jones out of the roster. Andreessen earned a contract after impressing during a rookie minicamp tryout in May and has continued to perform well through OTAs and training camp.
Shoot your shot rook!
Lancaster native and UB football alum Joe Andreessen with a nice shed and tackle#BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/C7e4gFwgV3
— Carl Jones (@Jones11_) August 17, 2024
Andreessen’s strong showing in preseason games, including a game-high 12 tackles in the August 17 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, has caught the attention of coaches and teammates alike. With Bernard sidelined as a precaution, Andreessen stepped up as the “green dot” communicator, earning praise from defensive end Greg Rousseau.
Rousseau noted, “He’s that guy. You couldn’t sense any fear with Joe. He stepped up to the plate, called the defense with the 1s. It was great seeing him fly around, making open-field tackles and doing his thing.”
Andreessen might not just be competing for a roster spot but also for a significant role. Anthony Prohaska of The Sporting News suggested that second-year linebacker Dorian Williams might not have a firm hold on his starting position, which could open the door for Andreessen or another linebacker to step in.
“The preseason finale gives Andreessen another strong opportunity to lock down a roster spot and push himself up the depth chart,” Prohaska wrote.
