Vikings Sign Datone Jones

The Vikings announced that they have signed defensive end/linebacker Datone Jones. Jones’ deal with the Vikings is a one-year, $3.75MM pact, Mike Garafolo of NFL.com tweets. He can make up to $5MM through incentives. "<strong

Jones, 26, spent the 2016 campaign playing outside linebacker in Green Bay’s 3-4 front after playing the early part of his career as a defensive end. The Vikings run a 4-3 scheme, so he might be in store for a return to end. Through four seasons with Green Bay, the former first-round pick appeared in 59 games but only started in seven games.

Last year, Jones recorded one sack and 22 tackles on 548 defensive snaps, making him the league’s No. 61 edge defender among 109 qualifiers, per Pro Football Focus. PFR ranked Jones as the ninth-best free agent edge defender heading into the offseason.

The Vikings are projected to start Everson Griffen and Brian Robison at defensive end. They also have Danielle Hunter, Tom Johnson, and Stephen Weatherly under contract as reserves. The linebacker group, meanwhile, is looking thin with just five players under contract.

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