4 linebackers the NY Jets can replace Kwon Alexander with

2. The NY Jets can sign Deion Jones

Another free-agent linebacker who is likely past his prime is Deion Jones. A second-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, Jones quickly developed into a star for the Atlanta Falcons, making the Pro Bowl in just his second NFL season.

Jones established himself as one of the best linebackers in football and bounced back from a foot injury in 2018 to sign a four-year, $57 million contract the following summer.

Jones would put together a couple of more solid seasons before falling off a proverbial cliff with a disastrous 2021 season. The Falcons traded Jones to the Cleveland Browns this past October, and he'd go on to appear in 11 games with his new team, making five starts.

Still, at just 28 years old, Jones isn't ancient by any means. He's far from the player he used to be, but he can still be effective in a part-time role. There's also the fact that he has a little history with the Jets' coaching staff.

Jones has ample experience with Jets' defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich dating back to their days together in Atlanta. Ulbrich served as Jones' direct position coach and later his defensive coordinator for nearly the entirety of the latter's time with the Falcons.

The Jets don't need Jones to be the All-Pro linebacker he used to be — they just need him to play on early downs as a base-package SAM linebacker. He can still fill that role.

Jones has the athleticism needed to fit Robert Saleh's defense and has plenty of experience with the Jets' current defensive coordinator. He makes a ton of sense as a potential target.