The Seattle Seahawks made a significant splash in the offseason by signing Dre'Mont Jones to a three-year, $51.53 million deal, a move that stands as one of the franchise's most impactful free-agent acquisitions.
Jones, renowned for his versatility and defensive prowess, was a standout throughout the 2023 season. His ability to adapt and excel in various positions on the field has positioned him as a key asset for the Seahawks' defensive strategy.
A Season of Versatility
In the first half of the 2023 season, Jones primarily operated as a defensive tackle. His transition came mid-season in October after the Seahawks signed Leonard Williams, prompting Jones to shift to the defensive end position. This move allowed the team to exploit his dynamic skill set more effectively.
Jones's transition was seamless. In the final eight games of the season, he played 302 snaps at defensive end and 61 at tackle, showcasing his adaptability. Despite the positional shift, Jones still managed to achieve career-highs with 49 tackles and 12 quarterback hits. However, he recorded a career-low of 4.5 sacks for the season, underscoring the challenges and adjustments he faced.
Commenting on Jones's versatility, Nolan Teasley emphasized, "One thing that I would emphasize is versatility. 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."
Physical Transformation and Adaptation
Jones's commitment to his role was evident even in the offseason, where he reported to minicamp weighing between 265-270 pounds, down from his listed 281 pounds. This physical transformation allowed him to participate in position drills with the outside linebackers, further showcasing his adaptability.
During minicamp, Jones lined up both on the edge opposite Williams and inside next to him in a nickel package during various defensive formations. "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," noted Mike Macdonald.
Financial Flexibility
In addition to his on-field contributions, Jones also played a crucial role in creating financial flexibility for the Seahawks. The team converted $9.875 million of Jones's $11 million base salary for 2024 into a signing bonus, freeing up $7.4 million in salary cap space without adding new money to Jones's contract. This strategic move is a testament to Jones's value both on and off the field.
Looking Ahead
Jones's ability to adapt and excel in multiple roles makes him a linchpin in the Seahawks' defense. "He can do a lot of things. We've talked about it, but we're really excited about Dre'Mont," Macdonald expressed. Leonard Williams echoed these sentiments, stating, "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."
The Seahawks' strategic acquisition and utilization of Dre'Mont Jones underscore the team's commitment to building a versatile and formidable defense. As Jones continues to hone his craft and adapt to new roles, he remains a pivotal element in the Seahawks' pursuit of excellence.