Dre’Mont Jones Makes His Feelings About Seattle Clear

Dre’Mont Jones wasted little time reminding Seattle Seahawks fans that there is still some bad blood between him and his former team.

The New England Patriots linebacker returned to Lumen Field for the opening game of the 2026 NFL season and immediately made an impact against his former club. Jones sacked Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold during the opening possession, a play that forced Darnold out of the game with a hip injury.

After the Patriots ultimately fell 13-10, Jones added another chapter to the night away from the field.

He posted a photograph of the sack on social media, celebrating his first sack of the season while also including a pointed tag aimed directly at the Seahawks. The post quickly attracted attention among Seattle supporters and NFL fans.

The timing made the message particularly striking.

Jones had spent the 2023 and 2024 seasons in Seattle before moving on. Now wearing a Patriots uniform, he had the opportunity to face his former team in the first game of the new season.

He made sure everyone noticed.

Jones Delivers a Big Play Against Darnold

The sack came just five plays into the game.

Seattle was facing third-and-6 when Darnold dropped back and attempted to extend the play after failing to find an open receiver. Jones came from behind and brought the quarterback down.

Darnold immediately appeared to be uncomfortable after the hit.

He got back to his feet and walked away from the play, but he was visibly limping. After initially spending time on the sideline, he entered the medical tent before eventually heading toward the locker room.

Seattle later confirmed that Darnold was dealing with a hip injury and ruled him out for the remainder of the game.

The play was especially painful for the Seahawks because Darnold was entering the season as the starting quarterback following a championship campaign.

There was, however, some encouraging news after the game.

Coach Mike Macdonald said doctors had ruled out a fracture following an initial evaluation. Further testing was required to determine the full extent of the injury and how much time Darnold might miss.

Seattle Finds a Way Without Its Starting Quarterback

Losing Darnold so early could easily have derailed Seattle’s night.

Instead, backup Drew Lock stepped into the offense and helped the defending champions mount a comeback.

Lock completed 16 of 22 passes for 187 yards and a touchdown. His biggest moment came in the fourth quarter, when he connected with Jaxon Smith-Njigba for a 45-yard touchdown that tied the game at 10.

Seattle’s defense then took control.

The Seahawks intercepted Patriots quarterback Drake Maye three times in the fourth quarter. Julian Love produced one of the turnovers, while Josh Jobe sealed the victory with a late interception in the end zone.

Jason Myers also delivered two important field goals, including the go-ahead kick that put Seattle ahead 13-10 with less than six minutes remaining.

The Patriots had an opportunity to respond, but Maye’s late interception ended their final serious threat.

Jones Still Had a Strong Night

Although New England lost the game, Jones was one of the more disruptive players on the Patriots defense.

He finished with four tackles, one sack, three quarterback hits and a pass defended. His pressure helped make life difficult for Seattle’s offensive line, particularly during a first half in which the Patriots controlled much of the action.

The sack of Darnold was the most memorable play of his night.

It also carried an obvious personal element.

Jones spent two seasons with Seattle after signing with the team in 2023. His tenure eventually ended, and he moved through other stops before joining New England.

Returning to the stadium where he once played and immediately recording a sack against his former team created a storyline almost too convenient for an NFL season opener.

His social media post only amplified it.

The Seahawks Have Bigger Concerns

While Jones’ online jab will attract plenty of attention, Seattle’s primary concern is now Darnold’s health.

The Seahawks managed to win without their starting quarterback, but asking Lock to carry the offense for an extended period would change the team’s outlook.

Darnold was a central part of Seattle’s championship season and entered 2026 with significant expectations. His availability could therefore become one of the most important storylines surrounding the team in the opening weeks.

For now, Seattle can take some comfort from the fact that the injury was not initially believed to involve a fracture.

The 13-10 victory also demonstrated the team’s depth.

But the circumstances surrounding the win cannot be ignored.

An Unforgettable Return for Dre’Mont Jones

For Jones, the night could hardly have been more eventful.

He returned to Seattle wearing the uniform of one of the Seahawks’ biggest opponents. Within minutes, he sacked the quarterback who had replaced him on the field and helped send the home team’s star player to the locker room.

Then, after the game, he made his feelings toward his former club known online.

The Patriots did not get the result they wanted, but Jones delivered a performance that will be remembered long after the opening-week loss.

For Seattle, meanwhile, the bigger story is not what Jones posted.

It is whether Darnold will be healthy enough to lead the defending Super Bowl champions through their title defense.

That question could matter far more than any social-media rivalry as the Seahawks move toward their next game.