When Bucs inside linebacker Deion Jones takes the field against the Falcons in Week 1, it won't just be another season debut. For Jones, it will be a reunion with his past.

After six highly productive seasons in Atlanta, he was more than just a linebacker for them – he was the heartbeat of the defense, a playmaker whose speed and instincts defined a generation of NFC South battles.

Before Jones returns to Mercedes-Benz Stadium, he spoke with Pewter Report on his new role as a veteran on Tampa Bay's defense and the journey he has taken to go back to where it all started.

Deion Jones Starred With Falcons Before Bouncing Around, Landing With Bucs

Drafted 52nd overall by the Falcons in 2016, Deion Jones wasted no time emerging as one of the NFL's best inside linebackers.

Bucs ILB Deion Jones – Photo by: USA Today

In Week 3 of Jones' rookie year, he had a 90-yard pick-six off legendary Saints quarterback Drew Brees, which was a Monday night moment that turned heads across the league. His rookie season ended with 108 tackles, 11 passes defensed, three interceptions (two pick-sixes), and a forced fumble. In 2017, Jones became the centerpiece of Atlanta's defense, racking up 138 tackles, three interceptions, and only first Pro Bowl nod.

Back then, he was an elite coverage linebacker with speed that made him lethal in coverage and instincts that made him just as deadly pursuing ballcarriers. Injuries cut his 2018 season short, but in 2019 Jones received a four-year, $57 million extension. Bucs fans might remember him ending Tampa Bay's season with a 27-yard pick-six off quarterback Jameis Winston in overtime.

After six seasons anchoring the Falcons defense, Jones entered a nomadic stretch. He was traded to the Cleveland Browns in 2022, playing in 11 games (five starts) and recording 44 tackles, 2.5 sacks, an interception, and a forced fumble. 2023 marked a return to the NFC South with the Panthers and he appeared in 13 games (three starts), logging a modest 35 tackles, one sack, and an interception.

Former Bucs TE Cameron Brate and former Browns ILB Deion Jones – Photo by: USA Today

Jones then signed with the Bills on a one-year deal in 2024 but was released during final roster cuts in late August. That in-season free agent period ended in early December when the Bucs added him to the practice squad amid a stretch of linebacker injuries. After making the 53-man roster entering the 2025 season, the well-traveled 30-year-old is grateful.

"This is Year 10," Jones told Pewter Report. "All in all, I'm continuing to do what I love to do. Like I said, what can I do to put my best foot forward, like I do every year. Giving it my all and give this team everything I got."

Bucs ILB Deion Jones Is "Locking In" As He Prepares To Make Atlanta Return

At this point of Deion Jones' career, he is no longer viewed as the same player he was to begin his career. Still, Bucs head coach Todd Bowles views Jones highly and as someone who can make an impact.

Bucs ILB Deion Jones – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

"I think he's back to 100%," Bowles said during training camp in late July. "He's one of our fastest guys, and that's including [defensive backs]. He's very heady. He's been nothing but professional since he's been here. He can play both [linebacker] spots…Hell, he can play nickel [cornerback] in a pinch. He does some very good things for us.

"He's very vocal, always where he needs to be, he makes us faster…If we had to go to a 4-3 defense, we've got a 4-3 linebacker, as well. His versatility, along with his special teams [ability] and speed give us a lot on defense. He was in there in the playoffs last year when we had Washington in the fourth quarter down in the red zone and made some plays for us."

Bowles referred to when Jones, who was fresh to the team, played 18 defensive snaps in the Wild Card Round and recorded two tackles and a pass breakup in limited playing time. Throughout his career he has shown an aptitude for making plays, and he will have the chance to this season as the third inside linebacker who can fill in for either Lavonte David or SirVocea Dennis. As someone who has fought to see the field in recent seasons, he is looking forward to this opportunity.

Bucs ILBs Lavonte David and Deion Jones – Photo by: USA Today

"I like the room," Jones said when asked about the group and his role as a defensive veteran. "We got "Tae (Lavonte David)," "Voss (SirVocea Dennis)," JB [John Bullock], and me. It's been good. It's been a journey. It's been a grind. We've been battling it out. I feel like everybody had a great camp. Now it's time to put it all together and grow from here."

Deion Jones and the rest of the Bucs' roster will be looking to put it all together in the regular-season opener this Sunday. What is different for Jones compared to the rest of the team is that he is the only one who has suited up for both squads.

"I've been grinding lately, so I haven't really been looking ahead," Jones said. "This week I'm definitely locking in. This will be fun… this will be another piece of the journey. Year 10, and I'm excited about it. It'll be dope going back. I won't say weird, but I haven't played there since I left. It's going to be fun; it's going to be an experience. Let's see how it feels to be on the other side of things."