Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider believed he was getting an impactful difference-maker when he signed defensive lineman Dre’Mont Jones to a three-year, $51.5 million contract last offseason. Jones was fresh off a career-best season with the Denver Broncos, in which he recorded 6.5 sacks. Fast forward roughly a year and a half into his tenure with the Seahawks, and it hasn’t been good enough.
Jones appeared in all 17 regular-season games for the Seahawks last season. The former Ohio State standout had a minimal impact, totaling 4.5 sacks. Pro Football Focus assigned Jones a middling overall defensive grade of 61.7.
Mike Macdonald’s appointment as head coach offered hope that Jones would elevate his game to another level. Through six contests, including three consecutive defeats, he’s been borderline invisible at times. Jones has accumulated two sacks, 11 pressures, and three quarterback hits. He was credited with two tackles in Thursday’s disappointing loss to the San Francisco 49ers.
Macdonald and the defensive coaching staff have moved Jones around the defensive line in an attempt to fully unlock his potential. When playing inside, Jones appears undersized. When playing the edge, he lacks the athleticism of a typical edge-rushing outside linebacker.
Jones earns $17.1 million per season, according to Over The Cap. He’s currently the 16th-highest paid interior defensive lineman in the league, but he ranked significantly higher than that when he signed his contract, as several defensive tackles have since surpassed him. Jones’ earning capacity places him alongside defenders like Vita Vea ($17.7 million APY) and Grady Jarrett ($16.5 million APY, who are having much larger impacts for their respective defenses.
Schneider may have whiffed on committing big-time dollars to Jones. The Seahawks could release him next offseason in a transaction that would clear $14 million in financial flexibility, but they’d inherit $11.5 million in dead money. Seattle will continue coaching Jones up.
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