Carolina Panthers Sign Pat Jones II to Two-Year, $20 Million Deal

The Carolina Panthers have signed outside linebacker Patrick Jones II to a two-year deal worth up to $20 million, marking a significant addition to their defensive front. Jones, who previously played for the Minnesota Vikings, had a standout season in 2024 with a career-high of seven sacks and contributed 39 tackles and 12 quarterback hits over 15 games. This move follows a pattern of the Panthers acquiring talent from the Vikings, as they previously signed D.J. Wonnum last year. Jones, a third-round draft pick in 2021, is expected to bolster Carolina's pass rush, especially after battling a knee injury at the end of last season. Alongside this signing, the Panthers have also made other moves in free agency, including retaining cornerback Jaycee Horn with a substantial contract extension. Overall, the Panthers are actively enhancing their defense as they prepare for the upcoming season.