Asked what Ravens fans can expect from him, newly acquired outside linebacker Dre'Mont Jones wasn't shy with his response.
"Somebody's who's physical as hell," Jones said. "Going to attack every play like it's the last. I'm going to go out there, try to kill or be killed."
Jones didn't expect to be dealt from the Tennessee Titans to the Ravens prior to Tuesday's trade deadline, but he plans to do everything in his power to make an immediate impact. He's been on a heater the past month with 4.5 sacks over his last four games with the Titans, showing the potential to inject a jolt of lightning into Baltimore's pass rush.
You might say Jones has blindsided quarterbacks the way he was blindsided by Tuesday's trade.
"Craziest moments of my life," Jones said. "I never thought I'd be in this situation, ever, but it's been dope. I'm loving the Ravens organization. It's not easy, but it's the NFL. It's never easy.
"It's been quick, but I'm ready for it. I've been training for this all my life to be prepared for something like that. I think I'm going to be ready."
Familiarity with the Ravens' defensive scheme will help Jones' transition. In Tennessee, he played for Defensive Coordinator Dennard Wilson, a former Ravens defensive backs coach in 2023. In 2024, Jones played for the Seattle Seahawks and Head Coach Mike Macdonald, who was Baltimore's defensive coordinator for two seasons (2022-23).
Jones has 35 career sacks and is familiar with the Ravens' system even though he hasn't played a snap for them. Head Coach John Harbaugh said Jones will be thrown into the fire immediately on Sunday when the Ravens visit the Minnesota Vikings in Week 10. Baltimore is tied for 29th in the NFL with 11 sacks, one ahead of the Jacksonville Jaguars, who have the fewest sacks with 10.
"I think he can help a lot, we're really happy with it," Harbaugh said. "He's a good fit for us. The system he's been in the last three years is the same system. He picks it up quickly. He's a really good fit style of play wise. We absolutely will get him weaved into it right away and he'll be playing on Sunday."
The Ravens had been shorthanded at outside linebacker since trading Odafe Oweh to the Los Angeles Chargers last month. Tavius Robinson (foot) is on injured reserve, leaving Kyle Van Noy, Mike Green, and David Ojabo to carry a heavy load, with Trenton Simpson also taking some reps at outside linebacker.
Jones' experience and presence is a welcome sight in the linebacker room. The 28-year-old has played both outside linebacker and defensive tackle, and the Ravens will utilize his position versatility.
"With our new addition 'Dre', he comes with his totally different bag of tools," Green said. "It's going to be very beneficial, especially for the defensive line and ultimately to help out the whole defense. He's a great pass rusher. He's a great run stopper. He's a dual threat to where he can come out with speed rushes, and he can also come out with power rushes. When you're a guy that can do both, it's very beneficial for the defense."
Safety Alohi Gilman has made a quick transition into Baltimore's defense after arriving three games ago in the Oweh trade, and Gilman expects Jones to come out flying against Minnesota.
"Ballers will figure it out, and that's just how it goes," Gilman said. "You go out there on Sunday, and you just let it loose."
Jones remembers getting the news on Monday that a deal was in the works, and his life has been a whirlwind ever since. He's been studying and preparing to play ever since he arrived in Baltimore, and he is glad the Ravens coveted his talents. His head was still spinning some on Wednesday, but by Sunday, he plans to be a problem for Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
"There's been a lot going on, just trying to get adjusted," Jones said. "The good thing is the systems are similar. There's a couple of new plays for me, but the overall basics of it I understand. You have to take that as a sign of respect. I appreciate that, to be wanted. I'm just happy that I'm here."
