Minnesota Vikings add versatile defensive lineman Datone Jones to their roster
By Adam Patrick
Jones becomes the latest free-agent to sign with the Minnesota Vikings and will provide Mike Zimmer with some more depth on his defensive line.
Having missed out on another former member of the Green Bay Packers in Eddie Lacy earlier in the day, the Minnesota Vikings announced the addition of former cheesehead Datone Jones to their roster on Tuesday.
We have signed DE Datone Jones (@IAM_Dat_One).
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) March 14, 2017
📰: https://t.co/5R6dAhtnoS pic.twitter.com/TF9Fz5h08h
Despite spending some time as a linebacker during his career with the Packers, Jones is expected to be a full-time defensive lineman for the Vikings. His reported contract is only for one year, so Jones’ time in Minnesota could be brief if he ends up playing well in 2017.
DE Datone Jones' deal with the Vikings: One year, $3.75 million with the chance to make $5 million, source says.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 14, 2017
He has the ability to play on the inside or the outside of the defensive line which should allow Vikings’ head coach Mike Zimmer to have some fun using him in a bunch of different packages next year. Plus at 26-years-old, he still has plenty of time to develop into a consistent force on the defensive front for Minnesota if the team ends up keeping him past the 2017 season.
Next: Terence Newman expects to play in 2017
It may not be the flashiest of signings, but it could actually end up being one of the Vikings’ best acquisitions this offseason.