What exactly do the Carolina Panthers have at DT in 2021?
By Dean Jones
DaQuan Jones – Carolina Panthers DT
Having someone with the gifts that Derrick Brown clearly has is one thing. But getting more help around him was absolutely critical for the Carolina Panthers if they want to become a real challenger sooner rather than later.
Thankfully, this was also recognized by the front office, who got themselves an experienced run-stuffer in free agency that seems to compliment what Brown brings to the table extremely well.
DaQuan Jones signed a one-year, $4.05 million contract that’s fully guaranteed. This came after a superb stint with the Tennessee Titans and if he can do the same in Carolina, nobody will benefit more than Brown.
Jones is a commanding defensive tackle who is incredibly difficult to move off the block. He is another that takes up plenty of space for others to work in, which can mean only good things for edge rushers such as Brian Burns, Haason Reddick, and Yetur Gross-Matos moving forward.
The former fourth-round pick out of Penn State missed just four regular-season games over the last six years. This durability is something else Jones has going for him and his experience in the postseason over the last couple of years can rub off positively on other members of the roster.
This is a low-risk, high reward pickup by the Panthers and one that could reap some instant rewards.