Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) is sacked by New England Patriots defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr., right, during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) is sacked by New England Patriots defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr., right, during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
The Washington Commanders continued their free agency frenzy on Wednesday, signing a pair of former New England Patriots defenders. The team agreed to deals with cornerback Jonathan Jones and defensive lineman Deatrich Wise Jr.
Both players agreed to one-year contracts, according to multiple reports. Wise is slated to make $5 million; Jones could earn up to $6.5 million with incentives.
The defensive duo had spent their entire careers in New England. Wise was a second-round pick in the 2017 draft, while Jones joined the Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2016.
Wise, 30, recorded 29 tackles and five sacks last season. Jones, 31, posted 58 tackles with six pass deflections in 2024.
The pair could assume key roles in a defense that needed to replace multiple starters in free agency. Wise joins fellow free-agent signings Javon Kinlaw and Eddie Goldman on a defensive line that lost two-time Pro Bowler Jonathan Allen this offseason.
Jones could take on the starting nickel cornerback role in Washington. Benjamin St-Juste, who started 14 games for the Commanders last season, agreed to a deal with the Los Angeles Chargers on Wednesday.
Cornerback Noah Igbinoghene, who saw plenty of playing time in the slot for Washington last year, is still a free agent.
• Liam Griffin can be reached at lgriffin@washingtontimes.com.
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