The Carolina Panthers have added edge rusher Patrick Jones to their defense, and head coach Dave Canales is pretty excited about what he brings to the team. While his addition might have been overshadowed by other high-profile signings, Canales is confident Jones is an emerging talent who could really make a difference.
Jones, who had a career-high seven sacks with the Minnesota Vikings last season, is seen as a player who’s just getting better each year. Canales is particularly impressed with how Jones has grown, noting that he’s in the prime of his career and has already shown he can make an impact when given the chance. “He’s just gotten better every year,” Canales said, adding that Jones has been solid at affecting the passer.
At 26, Jones still has room to develop. While he hasn’t been a starter for the Vikings, his versatility has stood out. At 6-foot-4 and 264 pounds, he’s not the typical edge rusher for a 3-4 scheme, but he’s capable of rushing from various positions, even lining up inside at times. Canales sees him as part of the Panthers’ evolving defense, which is getting a lot of attention this offseason.
Jones signed a two-year, $15 million deal with the Panthers, with the potential for his salary to rise up to $19 million based on performance incentives. He’ll be joining a solid pass-rushing rotation that includes Jadeveon Clowney and D.J. Wonnum, who he knows well from their time together in Minnesota. Wonnum, despite dealing with injury issues, showed his worth last season and will likely contribute more this year. Jones is excited to reunite with Wonnum and is looking forward to being part of the team’s revamped defensive line.
Jones has big aspirations for his role with the Panthers. He sees himself as an impact player, and if he can prove that, he might just earn a contract extension and become a key figure in the Panthers’ defense for the long term. “Wherever I get in the game, whatever position, I’m going to make an impact,” he said.
Dave Canales Gears Up for Breakout Season with Panthers’ New Free Agent
