In a bold move during the offseason, the Seattle Seahawks made one of the most significant free-agent acquisitions in their history by signing Dre'Mont Jones to a three-year, $51.53 million deal. Jones, known for his versatility and defensive prowess, proved to be a valuable addition to the Seahawks' roster throughout the 2023 season.
A Versatile Presence
Dre'Mont Jones demonstrated his adaptability early on, primarily playing as a defensive tackle in the first half of the 2023 season. However, his role evolved after Leonard Williams signed mid-season in October. Following Williams' arrival, Jones transitioned to the defensive end position. In the final eight games of the season, Jones played 302 snaps at defensive end and just 61 at tackle. This shift showcased Jones' ability to excel in multiple roles, making him a crucial asset for Seattle's defense.
Career-Highs and Lows
Jones' impact on the field was reflected in his impressive statistics. He reached career-highs with 49 tackles and 12 quarterback hits during the 2023 season. However, despite these achievements, he recorded a career-low of 4.5 sacks. These numbers illustrate Jones' ability to influence the game beyond just sack totals, contributing significantly to the Seahawks' defensive strength.
Physical Transformation
Jones also made notable changes off the field. During minicamp, he weighed between 265-270 pounds, down from his listed 281 pounds. This weight change likely contributed to his speed and agility, allowing him to participate in position drills with the outside linebackers. Jones' versatility was on full display as he lined up both on the edge opposite Williams and inside next to him in various defensive formations, including nickel packages.
Financial Maneuvering
Seattle didn't just acquire Jones for his on-field abilities; they also made strategic financial decisions regarding his contract. The Seahawks converted $9.875 million of Jones's $11 million base salary for 2024 into a signing bonus. This financial maneuver freed up $7.4 million in salary cap space without adding new money to Jones's contract. Such moves exemplify Seattle's commitment to maximizing both their financial flexibility and their on-field talent.
Coaches and Teammates Weigh In
The excitement surrounding Jones' versatility was echoed by key figures within the organization. "One thing that I would emphasize is versatility," said Nolan Teasley. "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."
Mike Macdonald added, "I think his skill set lends to trying to play a little matchup ball with him or setting another guy up. He can do a lot of things. We've talked about it, but we're really excited about Dre'Mont."
Leonard Williams, who played alongside Jones, highlighted the challenges that Jones presents to opposing offenses. "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."
Macdonald reinforced this sentiment, stating, "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."
Dre'Mont Jones' first season with the Seahawks highlighted his ability to adapt, perform, and impact the defensive unit both on and off the field. His versatility, coupled with strategic financial management and the enthusiastic support from coaches and teammates, underscores his significance to the franchise as they continue to build a formidable defense.