The Arizona Cardinals have signed OLB Jarvis Jones to a one year deal
The Arizona Cardinals off-season strikes again and they have added more help on defense. The Cardinals have signed OLB Jarvis Jones, according to his agent, who announced the news on twitter. Jones is coming off 3 years with the Pittsburgh Steelers to a one year deal. The signing comes after OLB free agent Alex Okafor signed a deal with the New Orleans Saints.
Proud to announce my client @SacManJones_29 will be signing with the @AZCardinals
— Greg Barnett (@gbo74) March 14, 2017
It looks like this could be one of Steve Keim’s 1 year prove it deals, which almost always seem to bring out the best in the players productivity. This could be Jones chance to prove to an organization he can be a valuable defensive piece, and help contribute to winning games and make plays on defense.
Jones was picked in the first round by the Steelers in 2013 with the 17th pick. The outside linebacker out of Georgia had an excellent career in college, earning all SEC and all american honors in 2011 and 2012, SEC defensive player of the year and the Jack Lambert Trophy in 2012. Unfortunately Jones hasn’t produced the same way since entering the NFL.
Jarvis Jones will likely be taking on the roll Okafor had as a rotation player, especially playing behind emerging star Markus Golden. He finished with 29 total tackles, 1 sack and an interception in 2016. He provided the Steelers with Depth and will do so again for the Cardinals.
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This free agency frenzy has hit the Cardinals defense hard. Losing a lot of starters and roll players, the signing of Karlos Dansby, Antonie Bethea and now Jarvis Jones show the Cardinals are trying to fill in those empty slots with veteran play makers. Jones has shown flashes in his career that he can be valuable and make plays.
In his career he has had 6 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, and 2 interceptions.