NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Titans' roster of edge rushers ballooned to five – two with significant experience -- when they reached an agreement with Dre’Mont Jones, formerly of the Seahawks.
Adam Schefter reported a one-year, $10 million deal.
Originally a third-round pick by the Broncos out of Ohio State, Jones is listed at 6-foot-3 and 281 pounds – 16 pounds heavier than the team’s heaviest incumbent, Ali Gaye, who’s 6-6, 265. Jones has some versatility and can move down the line where he played before 2024 when Mike Macdonald took over as head coach.
“Good piece along the line,” said former Titans scout Blake Beddingfield who now consults for
multiple teams. “He can be a defensive end and rush inside. He’s not Denico Autry but he fits that role. Very versatile.”
Under Macdonald and coordinator Aden Durde, Seattle's defense is very similar to that of the Titans under Dennard Wilson.
Jones joins Arden Key as the top players at the spot for now, with Gaye, Jaylen Harrell and Khalid Duke.
The Titans are expected to invest in a high-value pick at edge, where Abdul Carter could be in play at No. 1 or with the first-round pick after a trade down.
Pro Football Focus scored Jones slightly better as a pass rusher last season (65.9) than Dayo Odeyingbo and Autry in his first year with the Texans. Odeyingbo got a reported three-year, $48 million deal with $32 million guaranteed to jump from the Colts to the Bears.
James Foster’s thoughts on Dre’Mont Jones
"I’ve only seen his pass-rushing tape so don’t have thoughts on his run defense: Started out as an undersized DT and gradually converted to edge rusher over the course of his career. Finally played edge full-time in 2024 and had one of his least productive years. A unique player with very few comparisons across the league.
"He's not a pure edge burner who’s going to consistently win around the outside, but he is very explosive off the LOS. He channels his upfield burst into power and is able to win pretty consistently with his bull rush.
"As a shorter player he has outstanding natural leverage and his leverage advantage is even more pronounced against taller offensive tackles than it was on the interior. He’s almost always playing underneath his opponent’s pads. Power rushing doesn’t lead to as many sacks, but he pushes the pocket consistently. He also has an effective inside counter as a changeup."
