Colin Jones signs Carolina Panthers two-year contract
Veteran safety Colin Jones rejoins the Carolina Panthers defense on a new deal.
For the first time in his career, Colin Jones, was selected as a captain for the Carolina Panthers last season. Elected to lead the special teams unit, Jones lived up to the billing with a team high six tackles. His contributions were recognized by those in the locker room and he’ll remain a part of the Panthers defense for at least two more seasons.
Last year, Jones made an appearance in every game including a start against Cincinnati. He registered 20 tackles, an interception and fumble recovery for a touchdown while serving in a reserve role. A true team player, Jones serves as a highlight on special teams and contributes defensively when needed.
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Set to become an unrestricted free agent when the new league year begins on Wednesday (March 13), both Jones and the Panthers agreed to a new two-year deal keeping him on the roster. A piece of the Carolina defense since arriving in 2012 when general manager Marty Hurney sent a future (2014) seventh-round pick to San Francisco for his services, Jones has been a staple on special teams.
The move helps to solidify a position of need for Carolina as they recently released starter Mike Adams. Earlier in the offseason, Hurney re-signed Eric Reid to secure one starting role but in the two-safety system employed by the Panthers, another addition may be warranted.
Prior to signing Reid initially, the defense had Adams and Da’Norris Searcy locked into safety positions but multiple concussions caused the latter to be placed on Injured Reserve just a few weeks into the season. A healthy return in 2019 could lead Hurney to shy away from targeting a safety during free agency or the draft, instead relying on Reid, Searcy and younger players Rashaan Gaulden, Damian Parms or Cole Luke, in addition to the veteran Jones.
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Not having to add another safety would allow Hurney to put some resources into other areas of the roster, including both the offensive and defensive lines.