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INDIANAPOLIS – The first two seasons of a 3-4 defense in Indianapolis have brought some high moments, and year three under Chuck Pagano is a mission to establish a firmer presence.
To aid the process, Indianapolis has agreed to terms with defensive end Arthur Jones (6-3, 315 pounds), a fifth-year unrestricted free agent from Baltimore, to aid the growth.
Via Twitter, Jones said, "Colts nation here I come!!!"
Jones was a fifth-round pick of the Ravens in 2010, the 157th player taken overall. After seeing rookie action only on special teams, Jones worked his way onto a talented Baltimore defense and started 20-of-44 appearances in the last three seasons.
Jones' first season with extended exposure came in 2011 when Pagano was the defensive coordinator. He is the third Baltimore lineman to join the Colts since Pagano's 2012 arrival, a migration that still includes end Cory Redding.
"He adds good power and stoutness to our run support. Arthur is a heck of a run-stopper," said Redding late Tuesday afternoon. "He has a high motor, and he's a good pass rusher. Those are good qualities as a defensive lineman.
"He was my little rookie mentee in 2011 when he came in. He brings a lot of energy to the field. He's going to be really good for our d-line."
The move by Indianapolis comes to help bolster a run defense that has allowed averages of 137.5 and 125.1 the last two seasons. The Colts produced 32 and 42 sacks during that time.
Opponents this past season topped 140 rushing yards and 30 attempts in eight outings. Indianapolis was 5-3 when yielding that many yards and 4-4 when allowing that many rushes.
"We are happy to announce we have agreed to terms with defensive lineman Arthur Jones," said Colts General Manager Ryan Grigson. "He is an outstanding producer down-after-down versus the run and pass.
"He's a guy who plays at a championship level week-after-week and lays it on the line every time he steps out on the field. He is a great fit for our team."
Jones has 117 career tackles (66 solo), 8.5 sacks and one forced fumble. Starting two-of-six playoff career games, he recorded 10 tackles, one sack and two fumble recoveries.
Jones started 13 games this past season, having 52 tackles and four sacks. Baltimore's defense ranked fourth in AFC rushing yards and sixth in total yards.
Jones was a six-time starter in 16 outings in 2012, totaling 47 tackles and 4.5 sacks. He had multiple-sack efforts at San Diego (2.0) and at Washington (1.5).
In the Ravens' Super Bowl XLVII victory over San Francisco, Jones had two solo tackles, one sack and one fumble recovery.
|
Arthur Jones Career Statistics | ||||||
|
Year |
ST/PL |
Solo |
Asst. |
Tackles |
Sacks-Yds |
FF |
|
2010 |
0/2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0.0-0 |
0 |
|
2011 |
1/14 |
12 |
6 |
18 |
0.0-0 |
0 |
|
2012 |
6/16 |
27 |
20 |
47 |
4.5-29.5 |
1 |
|
2013 |
13/14 |
27 |
25 |
52 |
4.0-27.0 |
0 |
|
Total |
20/46 |
66 |
51 |
117 |
8.5-56.5 |
1 |
Jones started 32-of-44 games at Syracuse prior to being drafted. He had 145 tackles, a school-record 38.5 for losses, and 6.5 sacks. He is the oldest of three brothers. His youngest brother, Chandler, is an end with New England, while Jon, the middle brother, is the UFC light heavyweight champion.
Jones is the second addition to the defense in free agency. Indianapolis signed linebacker D'Qwell Jackson last week. Additionally, the Colts have agreed to terms with four prominent veterans – Vontae Davis, Adam Vinatieri, Fili Moala, Pat McAfee – prior to the unrestricted process.
The Colts also retained linebacker Cam Johnson and safety Sergio Brown in moves on Tuesday.
