Dolphins add DL depth by reuniting with Benito Jones, re-signing Da’Shawn Hand
The Dolphins continue to restock their defensive line depth, reuniting with a familiar face who started his career in Miami and re-signing a player who just spent the 2023 season with the team.
Miami has agreed to terms to sign former Detroit Lions defensive tackle Benito Jones and re-sign defensive lineman Da’Shawn Hand, league sources told the Miami Herald.
Jones, who turns 27 in November, signed with Miami as an undrafted free agent out of Mississippi after the 2020 NFL Draft. He appeared in six games as a rookie, recording two tackles. Jones did not appear in a game in 2021, spending the season on the Dolphins’ practice squad. Miami waived Jones in August 2022 and he was quickly claimed by Detroit, where he has appeared in 32 games in the last two years. Jones started 15 games in the 2023 season, recording 26 tackles and one sack.
Jones, 6-1 and 335 pounds, could start at nose tackle in 2024 with Raekwon Davis agreeing to sign with the Indianapolis Colts. Miami also needs to replace Christian Wilkins, who signed with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Jones is the fourth defensive lineman to join the Dolphins since the end of the 2023 season. Miami also signed Isaiah Mack and Daviyon Nixon and agreed to terms with Neville Gallimore.
Hand, who turns 29 in November, signed with Miami last August. He appeared in 16 games in a reserve role, recording 17 tackles and one sack.
The Athletic first reported the Dolphins are signing Jones and re-signing Hand.
