New Seahawks DE Dre'Mont Jones Enjoying Fresh Start In Seattle

With his first season with Seattle approaching, free agency acquisition Dre’Mont Jones discusses his role and outlook for 2023.

Jun 02, 2023 at 02:08 PM

Maliik Obee

Seahawks.com Contributor

In March, Seattle acquired defensive end Dre’Mont Jones via free agency to help bolster their defensive line. Following Thursday's practice, the fifth-year veteran discussed his outlook on the year to come.

In the 2022 offseason, Seattle agreed to a blockbuster trade with the Denver Broncos, moving quarterback Russell Wilson for several veterans and draft picks. The move nearly included Jones, who went on to tie his career-high of 6.5 sacks along with nine tackles for loss and a forced fumble in 2022. In April, Jones discussed his near-move to Seattle and why things ultimately turned out the way they did. After missing out on Jones in last year's trade, Seattle inked Jones to a three-year deal that was agreed upon on the opening day of free agency, the type of deal that is a rarity for the Seahawks under Pete Carroll and John Schneider.

After 3.5 sacks in his first season with the Denver Broncos in 2019, Jones has notched five or more sacks in each of his last three seasons. The Ohio State alum provides much-needed run support as well, as Seattle looks to improve on its No. 30 ranking in rushing yards allowed per game (151.9). But with an opportunity to help Seattle succeed and build off a promising 2022 season, Jones is focused on the task at hand more than he is any pressure that comes with a big contract.

"I'm trying to get another one," said Jones. "My approach has been the same since I got to the NFL, kind of playing out there with the chip on my shoulder. This contract kind of proves my worth, but I know I got more to prove and more to do. I'm trying to get on Bobby [Wagner's] level."

In April, linebacker Bobby Wagner returned to Seattle after a season with the Los Angeles Rams. The Seahawks longtime captain and leader has already made an impression on Jones.

"It's been fun man," said Jones. "Great leader, great personality. The football stuff comes later, but just to get to know him right now as a person, he's a good dude."

There's still a lot of work to do before the start of the season, but Jones is already making a good impression on his coaches as he transitions to a new team.

"It's been smooth as can be," Carroll said. "Learning the concepts and principles of stuff that we're doing, and we're learning him too, because he's got special talents, and we want to make sure that we accent them and use them. We're learning that as we go. He's been really consistent about everything."

Jones is still getting familiar with his new city, but the Cleveland native is feeling pretty confident in what Defensive Coordinator Clint Hurtt is building.

"I can see Coach Hurtt being one of those All-Time great coaches when he's done," said Jones. "He has a voice with the players, voice with the team. People who respect what he says and take account of what he says. I've enjoyed playing under him so far."

Not only does Jones get the respect he feels due in his new work environment, but he gets to help the rookies on the line like nose tackle Cameron Young and defensive end Mike Morris. It'll be worth tuning in to see what the chip on Jones' shoulder helps him produce in 2023.