Familiarity with the Ravens' defensive scheme will help Jones' transition. In Tennessee, he played for Defensive Coordinator Dennard Wilson, a former Ravens defensive backs coach in 2023. In 2024, Jones played for the Seattle Seahawks and Head Coach Mike Macdonald, who was Baltimore's defensive coordinator for two seasons (2022-23).
Jones has 35 career sacks and is familiar with the Ravens' system even though he hasn't played a snap for them. Head Coach John Harbaugh said Jones will be thrown into the fire immediately on Sunday when the Ravens visit the Minnesota Vikings in Week 10. Baltimore is tied for 29th in the NFL with 11 sacks, one ahead of the Jacksonville Jaguars, who have the fewest sacks with 10.
"I think he can help a lot, we're really happy with it," Harbaugh said. "He's a good fit for us. The system he's been in the last three years is the same system. He picks it up quickly. He's a really good fit style of play wise. We absolutely will get him weaved into it right away and he'll be playing on Sunday."
The Ravens had been shorthanded at outside linebacker since trading Odafe Oweh to the Los Angeles Chargers last month. Tavius Robinson (foot) is on injured reserve, leaving Kyle Van Noy, Mike Green, and David Ojabo to carry a heavy load, with Trenton Simpson also taking some reps at outside linebacker.
Jones' experience and presence is a welcome sight in the linebacker room. The 28-year-old has played both outside linebacker and defensive tackle, and the Ravens will utilize his position versatility.
"With our new addition 'Dre', he comes with his totally different bag of tools," Green said. "It's going to be very beneficial, especially for the defensive line and ultimately to help out the whole defense. He's a great pass rusher. He's a great run stopper. He's a dual threat to where he can come out with speed rushes, and he can also come out with power rushes. When you're a guy that can do both, it's very beneficial for the defense."