The New England Patriots wasted no time making their first move in this year’s free agency. Dre’Mont Jones, who most recently played for the Baltimore Ravens, is joining the team on a reported three-year contract worth $39.5 million.
Let’s put a grade on the signing based on everything we know so far.
Instant grades: Patriots sign ED Dre’Mont Jones
Brian Hines: Dre’Mont Jones is a bigger rusher (6’3, 280 lbs) who is a proven starter with versatility along the line of scrimmage. He ranked near the top of the league in QB hits last season while posting
a career-high 7.0 sacks. The contract terms should also not stop the Patriots from adding another pass rusher in free agency or the draft. | Grade: B
Matt St. Jean: The Patriots tried to get Jones at the deadline last year but couldn’t land the edge rusher. Instead, they get him this offseason in free agency. Jones is a solid complementary pass rusher coming off a career-best 51 pressures last season. Getting him at a smaller dollar figure per year than Harold Landry is good value. | Grade: B-
Pat Lane: The Patriots are paying a good amount for a guy who is a mediocre pass rusher. This grade could change based on how much of that $39.5 million is guaranteed, but it sure doesn’t inspire me very much. The Patriots are in need of significantly more pass rush than this. | Grade: C
What do you think about the Patriots signing Dre’Mont Jones? Do you like the move? How would you grade it? Please head to the comment section to discuss.
