In a strategic move during the offseason, the Seattle Seahawks made one of their most notable free-agent acquisitions by signing Dre'Mont Jones to a three-year, $51.53 million deal. Jones, known for his versatility and defensive prowess, has turned heads throughout the 2023 season, thanks to his adaptability and performance on the field.
A Dynamic First Half
Initially, Jones primarily played as a defensive tackle in the first half of the 2023 season. His flexibility became even more evident following the mid-season signing of Leonard Williams in October. This acquisition prompted a position shift for Jones, who transitioned to the defensive end. Demonstrating his adaptability, Jones managed to seamlessly adjust to his new role, playing 302 snaps at defensive end and 61 at tackle over the final eight games of the season.
Unmatched Performance
Jones's stats from the 2023 season speak volumes about his contributions to the team. He achieved career-highs with 49 tackles and 12 quarterback hits, showcasing his ability to impact the game significantly. However, despite these high marks, Jones recorded a career-low of 4.5 sacks, indicating room for growth in some aspects of his performance.
Physical Transformation
During minicamp, Jones revealed a noticeable physical transformation. Weighing in between 265-270 pounds, he had slimmed down from his listed 281 pounds. Despite this weight loss, Jones didn't miss a beat. He participated in drills with the outside linebackers, further showcasing his versatility. In various defensive formations, he lined up both on the edge opposite Williams and inside next to him in a nickel package.
Financial Savvy Moves
In another strategic move, Seattle converted $9.875 million of Jones's $11 million base salary for 2024 into a signing bonus. This financial adjustment freed up $7.4 million in salary cap space, allowing the Seahawks more flexibility without adding new money to Jones's contract. Such maneuvers highlight the team's commitment to maintaining a competitive roster while managing their financial resources effectively.
Team Insights
Offensive Coordinator Nolan Teasley emphasized the importance of Jones’s versatility, saying, "One thing that I would emphasize is versatility." Teasley further elaborated on the team's excitement about Jones, noting his ability to move around effectively: "I know a player that we're really excited about, that they're excited about moving around, is Dre'Mont Jones because of his ability off the edge, his ability to rush anywhere from the three-technique to the six, maybe even out to the nine."
Defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald echoed these sentiments, praising Jones’s multifaceted skill set. "I think his skillset lends to trying to play a little matchup ball with him or setting another guy up," Macdonald remarked. He added, "He can do a lot of things. We've talked about it, but we're really excited about Dre'Mont."
Leonard Williams, who shares the field with Jones, provided insights into the strategic advantage Jones brings to the defense. Williams noted, "It makes it harder for the offense to study us knowing that they may see Dre'Mont at a five-technique on film, and then when we line up and play against them, he's probably going to be playing zero- or three-technique." This unpredictability adds a layer of complexity for opposing offenses, making the Seahawks' defense more formidable.
Macdonald reiterated the benefits of having versatile players like Jones, saying, "When you have guys that can do multiple things, play different gaps in the run game and rush at different levels in the pass game and you can have more big guys, it just opens up more personnel groups, more looks you can generate." This versatility is a cornerstone of the Seahawks' defensive strategy, providing flexibility and depth that can adapt to various situations throughout the season.
Dre'Mont Jones's 2023 season with the Seattle Seahawks underscores the significance of his role in the team's defense. Through strategic positioning, financial savvy, and an unwavering commitment to versatility, Jones has proven to be an invaluable asset, exemplifying the Seahawks' dedication to building a dynamic and adaptable team.