Mile High Report
Defensive tackle D.J. Jones is one of the better in-house free agents the Denver Broncos have to make a decision on. Should they retain him or search elsewhere for a replacement?
The Denver Broncos made enormous strides on the defensive side of the ball in 2024. Compared to 2023, Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph was able to improve the team’s rush defense a great deal. However, we all saw the front seven struggle against the Buffalo Bills in their Wild Card Weekend matchup.
Both Head Coach Sean Payton and General Manager George Paton have discussed the importance of building a team from the inside out and fortifying their lines. One big decision they will have to make is whether or not to retain veteran defensive tackle D.J. Jones or pursue a replacement elsewhere this offseason.
Let’s take a peek at Jones’ performance during his tenure with the Broncos the past and explore on why the team should retain him or why they may decide to go in a different direction to address the position this offseason.
Age: 30 | Experience: 9th | Height: 6’0” | Weight: 305 pounds
Durable and reliable, Jones has had a productive eight years in the National Football League after being drafted in the sixth round of the 2017 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers. I’d classify him as a solid starter and someone who has been a consistent player in the league.
For the last three seasons, he has helped manned the interior of the Broncos defensive line. In that span, Jones made 48 starts and registered 122 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, 11 QB hits, 3 forced fumbles, and 2 fumble recoveries.
After playing 55 and 54-percent of the team’s defensive snaps in ‘22 and ‘23, his playing time dropped to 40-percent for the ‘24 season. That’s primarily due to the additions of John Franklin-Myers and Malcom Roach, as well as Zach Allen rarely leaving the field. It was a formidable unit that was four deep in quality play which help explains their improvement compared to ‘23.
Jones is a solid starter and having multiple years in Vance Joseph’s system make him an ideal candidate for retainment. They don’t have anything to lose by doing so. According to George Paton, the Broncos are scheduled to have roughly $52 million in cap space entering the free agency period. I don’t envision Denver having trouble making the financials work here.
Jones is on record stating he would like to remain with the team. Though it remains to be seen what Denver’s interest is, but it could be significant if the price point and deal length is right. They will sort that out with their end of the year evaluations coming over the next few weeks.
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