Buffalo Bills release former Pro Bowl linebacker and wideback from Atlanta Falcons as part of roster cuts

As NFL rosters were trimmed from 90 to 53 players ahead of Tuesday’s cuts, the Buffalo Bills have released several players – including two former Atlanta Falcons players.

Linebacker Deion Jones, a Pro Bowler in 2017 who once shone at the center of Atlanta’s defense, and receiver Damiere Byrd were both released Sunday night, the Bills announced via press release.

The Falcons drafted Jones in the second round in 2016 and he had a strong first year, finishing third in the race for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. He had a dominant 2017 season but had to end his 2018 season early due to injury.

Over the next three seasons, Jones played and started in 48 of a possible 49 games, recording 353 tackles, 25 tackles for loss, three interceptions and two deflections.

However, Jones was not considered a good fit for then-defensive coordinator Dean Pees’ 3-4 defense, and the Falcons traded Jones to the Cleveland Browns a month into the 2022 season.

Since leaving Atlanta, Jones has played 11 games (five starts) with the Browns in 2022 and 13 games (three starts) with the Carolina Panthers in 2023.

Byrd, 31, played extensively for the Falcons in 2022, making 14 appearances with four starts. He saw 23 targets, which he converted into 13 receptions for 268 yards and two touchdowns.

Byrd, 5-foot-10 and 175 pounds, is probably best remembered for his 75-yard touchdown catch against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 7.

After starting 2023 with the Panthers, Byrd returned to the Falcons on a one-year practice squad contract, but only stayed there for a month. Upon his return to Atlanta, he played in one game and had two targets, but failed to catch a single ball.

Atlanta and Buffalo were not originally scheduled to meet in 2024, but a possible rematch between the Falcons and either Byrd or Jones is now possible, although unlikely.