The Seattle Seahawks made waves during the offseason by signing Dre'Mont Jones to a three-year, $51.53 million contract, marking one of the franchise's most significant free-agent acquisitions. Jones, known for his versatility and defensive prowess, delivered an impressive performance throughout 2023, showcasing his ability to adapt and excel in various positions on the field.
In the early part of the 2023 season, Jones primarily played as a defensive tackle, contributing effectively to the team's defensive efforts. However, the dynamics shifted mid-season when Leonard Williams signed with the Seahawks in October. Recognizing the potential of playing Jones in a different role, the coaching staff transitioned him to the defensive end position. Over the final eight games of the season, Jones played 302 snaps at defensive end and 61 at tackle, solidifying his reputation as a versatile defensive player.
Jones's adaptability did not go unnoticed. Nolan Teasley, a key figure in the organization, emphasized the importance of versatility, stating, "One thing that I would emphasize is versatility." Teasley further highlighted Jones’s unique skills, saying, "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."
The decision to move Jones around paid dividends. He reached career-highs during the 2023 season with 49 tackles and 12 quarterback hits, although he recorded a career-low of 4.5 sacks. Despite a drop in his sack numbers, Jones proved to be a critical asset to the Seahawks' defensive line, showcasing his ability to impact the game in various ways.
Jones's physical condition also played a role in his performance. During minicamp, he weighed between 265-270 pounds, down from his listed 281 pounds, allowing him to participate in position drills with the outside linebackers. This lighter weight enabled him to move more fluidly and adapt to different defensive formations. Jones lined up both on the edge opposite Williams and inside next to him in a nickel package, demonstrating his ability to take on multiple roles within the defense.
Mike Macdonald, another influential voice on the team, echoed the excitement around Jones’s versatility. "I think his skillset lends to trying to play a little matchup ball with him or setting another guy up," Macdonald explained. "He can do a lot of things. We've talked about it, but we're really excited about Dre'Mont." Macdonald also highlighted the strategic advantages of having such a versatile player: "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."
Leonard Williams also spoke about the complexity Jones brings to the defense. "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."
In a strategic financial move, the Seahawks 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. This maneuver was executed without adding new money to Jones’s contract, illustrating the team's commitment to leveraging their financial resources while maintaining a competitive edge.
Jones’s performance and the strategic decisions surrounding his role and contract highlight the Seahawks' focus on adaptability and maximizing player potential. As the team looks to build on their success, Jones's continued development and versatility will undoubtedly be a cornerstone of their defensive strategy.