The New England Patriots did not waste time in the NFL legal tampering period. They quickly signed pass rusher Dre’Mont Jones to a three-year, $39.5 million contract.
Let’s break down what the moves mean for the team from a big-picture perspective.
Pass rush boost
The Patriots identified their need along the edge as the biggest this offseason, making it no surprise they struck fast in a talented edge market. Jones is a proven starter up front and will provide a boost to the current group as he has consistently ranked
near the top of the league in QB hits — including ranking 11th among edge rushers last season with 15. Jones’ sack average throughout his career has been relatively average, however, as his 7.0 last season was a personal best.
Listed at 6-foot-3, 280 pounds, Jones also brings plenty of versatility along the line of scrimmage with the ability to rush from both the inside and outside. He primarily lined up at outside linebacker but also rotated in at left defensive end and defensive tackle.
Room for more
Due to Jones’ versatility and with the team not having to dip in at the top of the edge market — with Jones’ total value coming in under Harold Landry’s — New England has the flexibility to continue to add pass rushers to the group in either free agency or a talented draft class.
Pairing a speed rusher with the bigger, more powerful Jones could interest the team. Among the remaining available options on the market include Arnold Ebiketie or Malcolm Koonce.
K’Lavon Chaisson’s future
Among the unlikely options to pair with Jones is Chaisson, whose Patriots tenure now likely comes to an end as he’ll be in the market for a deal similar to New England’s newest addition. Chaisson was a playmaker for the Patriots defense — especially in the playoffs — but Jones features a higher pass rush win rate and is a more reliable player against the run.
There is always risk with replacing a known commodity with an external addition, but New England will take the chance with Jones after what seems to be a successful one-year reclamation project with Chaisson.
