Columbus Crew Have Signed Free Agent Derrick Jones

The Columbus Crew have signed free agent midfielder Derrick Jones ahead of the 2024 season. The 26 year old Jones joins Columbus after the last few seasons in Charlotte. Prior to Charlotte, Jones has played for the Houston Dynamo, Nashville SC (in MLS and USL Championship), Philadelphia Union, and Bethlehem Steel. The versatile midfielder has played in 190 career games with 14 goals and 4 assists. Last season for Charlotte, Jones was able to play in 34 games across all competitions; racking up 2,100 minutes played and 1 goal.

Jones joins the reigning champion’s midfield most likely as a depth piece behind Darlington Nagbe and Aidan Morris. Wilfried Nancy seems to have a type… versatile central midfielders that can also play centerback. He found that via the Columbus pipeline in Sean Zawadski and now in Derrick Jones. I like Jones as a player and I LOVE the fit with him adding to the talent of the Crew roster. Jones has the ability to get forward and support the likes of Rossi, Cucho, and Matan. He can also fill in centrally for either Nagbe or Morris to keep possession and connect the smart passes. Finally, he has the defensive abilities to get back and support the team from getting caught on the counter. This one could be a low key move that is GENIUS by the end of next season.