Panthers reach free-agent agreement with soon-to-be former Vikings pass rusher
The Carolina Panthers have made a move to improve their outside linebacker depth chart.
The team agreed to terms Monday on a two-year contract worth up to $20 million (with incentives) with soon-to-be former Minnesota Vikings pass rusher Patrick Jones II, a league source confirmed to The Observer. NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo was first to report the agreement.
The base value for the deal is $15 million, a league source told The Observer.
The agreement was made during the NFL’s open negotiation window, but the pact can’t be made official until the start of the new league year when free agency starts in earnest on Wednesday at 4 p.m.
Jones, 26, is coming off a career year with Minnesota, posting 39 tackles and seven sacks as a rotational pass rusher. During his four-year career with the Vikings, the 6-foot-4, 264-pound defender collected 105 tackles, 12 sacks and a forced fumble as a rotational player.
The Panthers desperately needed help at the edge position, and Jones will clearly be part of their presumptive solution. The 2021 third-round pick also has plenty of experience on special teams, which gives this signing some sort of floor.
But if the Panthers are viewing Jones as a potential starter, this move is a bit underwhelming, as Jones has only started five career games. He has also never played more than 56% of the defensive snaps in a season.
Jones, a Pittsburgh alum, is likely more of a rotational option and an upgrade over 2023 third-round pick D.J. Johnson, who has yet to really evolve as an edge defender. The team also has fellow former Vikings pass rusher D.J. Wonnum, who produced four sacks in eight games last season. Wonnum signed a similar two-year pact with the Panthers last offseason.
Veteran pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney, a former first overall, is the other starting outside linebacker. He had 5.5 sacks, tied for the team lead, last season.
If Jones is the Panthers’ lone edge signing in free agency, look for the team to dedicate a significant draft pick to the position in April. The Panthers needed at least a couple of upgrades at outside linebacker this offseason, and Jones will be earmarked as one of those additions.
This story was originally published March 10, 2025 at 4:43 PM.
