Earlier this month, the Miami Dolphins made a move that should help strengthen their defensive line. The team signed former Detroit Lion defensive lineman Jason Jones to a one-year contract.
On Tuesday after OTA practice, Jones met with the South Florida media for the first time and he said he just felt good about signing with the Dolphins.
“For me, it was just a gut feeling,” Jones said. “I just felt good coming here.”
Jones started 31 games for the Lions from 2014 to 2015. During those two seasons, Jones record 53 tackles, 9.5 sacks and three forced fumbles.
Despite signing in mid-May, Jones said he had a few other teams interested in his services. He noted both the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys invited him in for a visit.
Even though Jones has a great relationship with star defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, he said that didn’t have any influence on him signing with the Dolphins.
“No, there was no influence (from Suh) at all,” Jones said. “(My decision) was pretty much based on taking advice from my family and my agent (about) the best football fit for me.”
It appears Jones relationship with defensive line coach Jim Washburn might have had more of influence on him signing with the Dolphins than Suh did.
Before coming playing in Detroit, Jones was a second-round pick of the Tennessee Titans in 2008, where Washburn was the defensive line coach from 1999-2010. In four seasons with the Tennessee, Jones finished with 112 tackles, 15.5 sacks in 31 starts for Tennessee.
Jones also played under Washburn in Detroit from 2013-2015.
“I started out my career with (Jim) Wash(burn in Tennessee), Jones said. “He taught me the right way to play. He’s had a lot of players in his lifetime that have gone on to make a lot of Pro Bowls and make a lot of money. Coach Wash(burn) prides himself in coaching. He loves teaching the game. For me, having him here is always a bonus. (Defensive Line) Coach T(errell Williams) is a great coach, as well. Having (Coach) Wash(burn) here is a good bonus.”
From there, Jones spent one season playing for the Seattle Seahawks in limited duty as he recorded 10 tackles and three sacks in 12 games.
Jones will be depended on heavily to rotate line duty with stars Suh, Mario Williams and Cameron Wake, who is coming off of an Achilles injury. While he won’t start, his ability to play the defensive end and tackle should net him plenty of playing time.
“I think they are going to use my skill set at wherever (Defensive Coordinator) Vance (Joseph) wants to use me,” said Jones. “I’m a defensive end and I’ve moved inside at times so whatever they want to use me as I’ll be ready.”
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