Free-agent signing Justin Jones says he fits right at home with the Chicago Bears defense early this offseason
In March, the Chicago Bears agreed to terms to sign defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi to a three-year deal worth $40.5 million. Or so they thought. The Bears unfortunately could not sign Ogunjobi because of a failed physical, which led new general manager Ryan Poles to pursue other options for the defensive line.
Enter Justin Jones.
The former Los Angeles Charger signed a two-year, $12 million deal with the Bears to fill a vacancy on the defensive line in new head coach Matt Eberflus’ 4-3 scheme.
Jones will primarily play the three-technique position and said that he feels at home in the new scheme. He mentioned that his role includes being disruptive and making plays, which will be important at the line of scrimmage, especially with stopping the run game of opposing offenses.
With veteran Akiem Hicks no longer in the fold, Jones will need to step up and provide a boost in penetration to the defense. So far, he appears to be fitting in just well.
“It’s amazing,” Jones said via the Bear Report. “I love the room I’m in right now. As for the scheme, it’s just that penetrating three-technique, get off the ball and really just effort. That’s kind of the staple of my game, I feel like. Really just flying around, making tackles and making plays, and being disruptive is kind of my game. I feel like I fit in, I feel like I’m at home in this scheme. Guys I’m around are also helping me along as well, obviously learning the plays and making sure that we’re all on the same page at all times on every down. That’s kind of where we’re at right now.”
The Bears secondary looks good on paper, with rookie second rounders Kyler Gordon and Jaquan Brisker flanking Jaylon Johnson and Eddie Jackson. However, Jones providing a strong pass rush with edge rushers Robert Quinn and Trevis Gibson will make the secondary feast on potential interceptions. It will also help the offense out with a shorter field.
While the focus is on Fields, Chicago’s defense will need to step up as well.
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