The Seattle Seahawks made headlines this offseason by securing one of the most significant free-agent acquisitions in franchise history. Dre'Mont Jones, a versatile defensive lineman, inked a three-year, $51.53 million deal, bringing his dynamic skill set to the Pacific Northwest. Initially, Jones showcased his defensive prowess, primarily playing as a defensive tackle in the first half of the 2023 season. However, the mid-season arrival of Leonard Williams catalyzed a pivotal shift in Jones's role.
A Crucial Mid-Season Transition
Following Williams' signing in October, Jones transitioned from defensive tackle to defensive end. Over the final eight games, Jones accumulated 302 snaps at defensive end and 61 at tackle. This shift underscored his adaptability, a quality highly praised by the Seahawks' coaching staff. Nolan Teasley, a key figure within the organization, emphasized this versatility: "One thing that I would emphasize is versatility." Teasley's excitement was palpable when discussing Jones's wide range of capabilities: "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."
Career-Highs and Lows in 2023
Demonstrating his adaptability, Jones achieved career-highs with 49 tackles and 12 quarterback hits, showcasing his impact on the field. However, it wasn't all peaks for Jones, as he recorded a career-low of 4.5 sacks during the 2023 season. Despite this dip in sack numbers, his influence on the defensive line was undeniable. Mike Macdonald highlighted the strategic advantages of Jones’s skillset: "I think his skill set lends to trying to play a little matchup ball with him or setting another guy up." He further added, "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."
Adapting Physically and Positionally
Jones's adaptability was evident not only in his positional play but also in his physical conditioning. During minicamp, he slimmed down to between 265-270 pounds, a notable drop from his listed 281 pounds. This weight adjustment allowed Jones to participate in position drills with the outside linebackers, further broadening his utility in various defensive formations. This versatility was further demonstrated when Jones lined up both on the edge opposite Leonard Williams and inside next to him in a nickel package.
Financial Strategizing
The Seahawks also made strategic financial decisions involving Jones. Seattle 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 his contract. This maneuver underscored the franchise's commitment to maintaining financial flexibility while retaining their key defensive asset.
Leonard Williams, reflecting on the versatility Jones brings to the defense, noted, "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 sentiment encapsulates the strategic value Jones offers to the Seahawks’ defensive unit.
As the Seattle Seahawks look towards future seasons, Dre'Mont Jones stands as a testament to the team's strategic foresight and commitment to versatility on the defensive front. With a solid foundation laid in 2023, the years ahead promise to build on Jones's multifaceted contributions.