Seahawks' Bold Move Pays Off: Dre'Mont Jones Shines in 2023
The Seattle Seahawks made a strategic splash in the offseason by signing Dre'Mont Jones to a lucrative three-year, $51.53 million deal. This significant acquisition has already proven to be one of the most impactful in the franchise's history, with Jones showcasing his versatility and defensive prowess throughout the 2023 season.
Dre'Mont Jones began the season predominantly as a defensive tackle, a choice that highlighted his flexibility on the field. However, a mid-season adjustment occurred when Leonard Williams joined the Seahawks in October. This led to Jones transitioning to the defensive end position, where he played a total of 302 snaps over the final eight games, compared to 61 at tackle.
These strategic position changes allowed Jones to reach new heights in his career. He set career-highs with 49 tackles and 12 quarterback hits during the season, demonstrating his ability to adapt and thrive in different roles. Despite these impressive stats, Jones recorded a career-low of 4.5 sacks, a figure that speaks more to his diverse responsibilities than a lack of effectiveness.
Nolan Teasley, Seahawks' assistant coach, emphasized the importance of Jones's flexibility, stating, "One thing that I would emphasize is versatility." Teasley further elaborated on Jones's dynamic abilities by adding, "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."
Jones's physical transformation also caught attention. During minicamp, he weighed between 265-270 pounds, down from his listed 281 pounds. This leaner physique allowed him to participate in position drills with the outside linebackers, showcasing his athleticism and readiness to take on various roles within the team. He lined up both on the edge opposite Williams and inside next to him in a nickel package during different defensive formations, adding to his already impressive versatility.
The Seahawks' defensive coordinator, Mike Macdonald, has been vocal about the strategic benefits of having a player like Jones. "I think his skillset lends to trying to play a little matchup ball with him or setting another guy up," Macdonald noted. His enthusiasm for Jones's potential was evident when he said, "He can do a lot of things. We've talked about it, but we're really excited about Dre'Mont."
Even Leonard Williams chimed in on the advantages Jones brings to their 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," Williams explained.
Beyond his on-field contributions, Jones's contract also underwent a strategic financial adjustment. 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, providing the team more flexibility without adding new money to Jones's contract.
Jones's ability to play multiple positions lends the Seahawks defense a tactical advantage. "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 emphasized.
In summary, Dre'Mont Jones has not only lived up to the expectations set by his high-profile signing but has also redefined what it means to be a versatile defensive player in the NFL. His adaptability, combined with strategic coaching adjustments and a focus on versatility, has made him an invaluable asset to the Seahawks' defensive lineup. This season clearly highlights the tremendous potential and value that Dre'Mont Jones brings to Seattle's ambitions, both present and future.