In a significant move that has reshaped the defensive outlook for the Seattle Seahawks, Dre'Mont Jones signed a three-year, $51.53 million deal during the offseason. As one of the most substantial free-agent acquisitions in the franchise's history, Jones has brought much-needed versatility and defensive prowess to the team throughout the 2023 season.
Early 2023: A Defensive Tackle Specialist
In the first half of the 2023 season, Jones made his mark primarily as a defensive tackle. His impact on the field was palpable, demonstrating the capabilities that warranted his lucrative contract. However, the dynamics within the Seahawks' defense saw a shift mid-season following Leonard Williams' signing in October. This strategic addition led to Jones transitioning to a defensive end position.
Adapting and Excelling
The transition allowed Jones to display his full range of skills. Over the final eight games of the season, he accumulated 302 snaps at defensive end and 61 at tackle. The numbers underline his adaptability and the Seahawks' strategic utilization of his talents. Jones achieved career-highs with 49 tackles and 12 quarterback hits, showcasing his tenacity and importance in Seattle's defensive strategy.
Despite a quieter season in terms of sacks, recording a career-low of 4.5, Jones's overall contribution was undeniable. His role on the defense wasn’t merely about the raw stats but his ability to fit into multiple schemes and create pressure, a notion emphasized by Leonard Williams who stated, "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."
Versatility and Strategic Importance
Jones's adaptability was a recurring theme in the Seahawks' camp. Nolan Teasley highlighted this sentiment by saying, "One thing that I would emphasize is versatility." Teasley went on to praise Jones's flexibility, "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." This endorsement underscores Jones's critical function in disrupting opposing offenses by playing various positions on the defensive line.
Mike Macdonald echoed these views, "I think his skillset 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." Such versatility has allowed the Seahawks to implement diverse defensive packages, making it challenging for their rivals to anticipate formations.
Physical and Financial Adjustments
Dre'Mont Jones made noticeable changes in his physical preparedness as well. He weighed between 265-270 pounds during minicamp, a reduction from his listed 281 pounds. This weight adjustment likely contributed to his increased agility and ability to perform varied roles on the field. Additionally, his participation in position drills with the outside linebackers during minicamp points to the Seahawks' intention to maximize his versatility.
Financially, Seattle has also maneuvered smartly. The Seahawks converted $9.875 million of Jones's $11 million base salary for 2024 into a signing bonus. This conversion freed up $7.4 million in salary cap space without adding new money to Jones's contract, a move that underscores the franchise's long-term planning while retaining a crucial element of their defense.
Looking Ahead
As the 2023 season unfolded, Dre'Mont Jones's role with the Seahawks became increasingly indispensable. His ability to shift positions, maintain high performance both inside and on the edge, and contribute strategically to various formations, including the nickel package where he lined up both opposite Williams and inside next to him, has solidified him as a cornerstone of the defense. His play and versatility seem to have elevated the level of complexity for opposing teams when facing the Seahawks.
"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," Macdonald highlighted, encapsulating the breadth of possibilities Dre'Mont Jones brings to Seattle's defense.
As the team continues to evolve, the strategic use of Jones's abilities will likely remain a focal point, setting the stage for dynamic defensive performances in the seasons to come.