Both Mike Vrabel and Eliot Wolf said earlier in the offseason that edge rusher was going to be a priority, and after the start of the legal tampering window on Monday, they made a move to improve it.
Ian Rapoport reported on Monday that the New England Patriots have agreed to terms with Ravens free agent defensive end Dre’Mont Jones, which bolsters a defense that definitely needs some help.
With K’Lavon Chaisson about to test the free agent market, New England had to do something to ensure they bolstered that spot on their defense in the event he moves on.
Chaisson was their most effective pass-rusher during the postseason, racking up three sacks and a team-leading 10 quarterback hits. They needed to replace that production, especially in the event Chaisson’s not brought back.
New England got to see Jones up close last season. He had a solid showing against the Patriots back in December, sacking Drake Maye once, hitting him twice, and finishing that contest with a fumble recovery.
Now he’ll fortunately be a part of their defense moving forward. According to Rapoport, the deal is for 3-years and $39.5 million, including $14.5 million that he’ll reportedly earn in his first year with the Patriots.
New England also retained a player on the other side of the ball after tendering exclusive rights free-agent fullback and tight end Jack Westover.
Meanwhile, the Patriots also now have a hole at tight end. Rapoport reports that Austin Hooper is joining the Falcons on a 1-year, $3.25 million deal, leaving New England with just Hunter Henry and C.J. Dippre as the only true tight ends with any playing experience currently on the roster.
Support Us: Help Us Compete Against The Corporate Media Giants
We need your help. If you enjoy our content, please help us beat Google's Corporate algorithm by adding us as a preferred source on Google News.
Click the button below and check the box next to "PatsFans.com"
Add as a preferred source on Google News
Ian Logue is a Seacoast native and owner and senior writer for PatsFans.com, an independent media site covering the New England Patriots and has been running this site in one form or another since 1997.
Watch Dre’Mont Jones highlights on YOUTUBE. He looks solid. Everyone in stats-ville will see he doesn’t get many sacks, but he holds the edge and plays physical at the line and gets pressure on the pocket. He collapses the pocket. Pressures and edge-holding are key to NFL people. Solid pickup.