Nov 13, 2022; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) runs from Minnesota Vikings linebacker Patrick Jones II (91) in the second quarter at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports Mark Konezny USA TODAY NETWORK
PALM BEACH, Fla.
It’s not often that an edge-rusher addition goes somewhat unnoticed in Carolina. But among the fray of the Panthers’ spending spree that landed the likes of Tre’von Moehrig, Tershawn Wharton and Rico Dowdle, Patrick Jones got a bit lost in the shuffle of the movement during the first wave of NFL free agency.
Still, despite all that activity, head coach Dave Canales was intrigued with Jones’ name getting added to the Panthers’ defensive depth chart. Jones, coming off a career-high seven sacks with the Minnesota Vikings, is the type of player who can develop into a notable asset in Carolina’s pass rushing rotation.
“I see Patrick Jones as an ascending player,” Canales told The Observer this week at the NFL’s annual meeting. “Every year, he’s just gotten better. And it’s like you’re catching a guy in the prime of his football age, his football career, with the knowledge and experience that he’s had — who, when he got his opportunities, he did real well with affecting the passer.”
Oct 8, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) throws a pass as Minnesota Vikings linebacker Pat Jones II (91) defends during the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports Jeffrey Becker USA TODAY NETWORK
Jones has produced 12 total sacks in 57 games (six starts). While he’s mostly worked on special teams and within the deep depth of a pass-rushing rotation in Minnesota, the outside linebacker has shown some versatile. The 6-foot-4, 264-pound defender isn’t built like a traditional edge rusher in a 3-4 front, and he can rush the passer with his hand in the dirt — sometimes, even from the interior.
At just 26, he also has room to grow within a Panthers defense that is being reshaped and remodeled this offseason.
“Getting that average 25-, 26-year-old range is really critical for us as an organization,” Canales said. “Because it just feels like we have the young guys, we have some older guys — veterans that we love — and it’s the middle of that age group right there that we really feel like we addressed in free agency, of guys that will hopefully be Panthers for a while.”
Jan 8, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Patrick Jones II (91) enters the field before the first half against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports Matt Marton USA TODAY NETWORK
Jones signed a two-year, $15 million deal with the Panthers. The contract has playing incentives that can balloon his salary to up to $19 million.
He joins a rotation that features Jadeveon Clowney and his former Vikings teammate, D.J. Wonnum.
Like Jones, Wonnum left Minnesota for a two-year deal with Carolina last year. Despite some notable injury woes, including a blood clot related to the aftermath of Achilles surgery, Wonnum made an impact when he joined the lineup in Week 10 last season.
The Panthers are hoping Jones, Wonnum and Clowney — along with a potential draft pick or two — can forge an upgraded pass rushing rotation.
“DJ Wonnum — that’s my dawg, we go all the way back to Minnesota,” Jones said last month. “The second he knew I was coming here, he hit me up and called me and let me know I’m in great hands, this is a great place, a great team. So, I’m just happy to be here.”
Nov 13, 2022; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Patrick Jones II (91) warms up before a game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports Mark Konezny USA TODAY NETWORK
If Jones can ascend as Canales envisions, the Panthers will also be happy he’s here, too.
Jones could then score himself a quick and lucrative contract extension to stick around as a key cog within the defense, no matter what it looks like down road.
“I see myself as an impact player,” Jones said. “Whenever I get in the game, wherever I get in the game, whatever position, I’m going to make an impact.”
Mike Kaye covers the Carolina Panthers for The Charlotte Observer. Kaye previously covered the entire NFL for Pro Football Network, the Philadelphia Eagles for NJ Advance Media and the Jacksonville Jaguars for First Coast News. He is a graduate of the University of North Florida.