Cleveland Browns: Deion Jones contract should provide a solid comp for a Joe Schobert extension

Atlanta Falcons linebacker Deion Jones agreed to a 4-year $57 million contract with $34 million guaranteed. That should provide a solid comp for the Cleveland Browns for when they hopefully work out an extension

The Atlanta Falcons have finalized a 4-year, $57 million contract with linebacker Deion Jones. The deal reportedly includes $34 million guaranteed, enabling the Falcons to keep their best linebacker in the mix from age 24 to 28 with the possibility of another extension.

For the Cleveland Browns, who should be looking at an extension for their best linebacker in Joe Schobert, who is 25 and should be primed for the best season of his career, this should provide a great comp for the type of deal Schobert should get, presuming they negotiate it before he gets out to the open market.

That's what happened with C.J. Mosley that saw the New York Jets to pay an astronomical amount for him, immediately scaring fans on the type of money Schobert would demand, making some lower, almost scoffing at the idea that the Browns would keep him.

It's not clear how the money breaks down for Jones any more than it's clear what Schobert is hoping to get in his next contract, but what is clear is that being proactive and getting a deal done earlier is better than later.

Much like Jones, Schobert provides tremendous range and has incredible value as a pass defender. He fits what the defense wants to do and where this team is going, be it at the middle or weak side linebacker. With the pass rush they've assembled and the offense at their disposal, Schobert should provide a huge advantage in coverage and cause turnovers in the passing game.

The hope is that the Jones deal can be another good reason the Browns to start working on an extension, keeping their premier player at the second level, so they have one in every group of the defense and keep their defense intact for the next few years, maximizing their window to win a Super Bowl.