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Columbus Crew working on deal with Derrick Jones Jr.

Derrick Jones Jr (left) goes up against Columbus Crew while a member of Nashville SC in 2020.
Derrick Jones Jr (left) goes up against Columbus Crew while a member of Nashville SC in 2020.

The Crew are working on a deal to sign former Charlotte FC midfielder Derrick Jones Jr., a source confirmed.

Jones, who is an MLS free agent, played for Houston, Nashville and Philadelphia before landing with Charlotte in 2022. He appeared in 36 games with the club across two seasons. Jones was also a part of Team USA for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2017.

The Crew's interest in Jones was first reported on by The Athletic.

In The Dispatch's interview with Crew president and general manager, Tim Bezbatchenko on Wednesday, he mentioned possibly needing more size at the center back position.

"In the middle with Rudy Camacho, Phil Quinton, do we need an additional player given the slate of games we have?" Bezbatchenko said. "Maybe someone a little different, a little more physical, can help close out games – like games where we’re facing big strikers."

Jones, 26, is listed at 6 feet 4 and would bring depth and build to both the center back and center midfielder positions.

bmackay@dispatch.com

@brimackay15

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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus Crew working on deal with Derrick Jones Jr.