Denver Broncos get a great grade for DJ Jones signing
The Denver Broncos get a high grade for the move to sign coveted free agent defensive lineman DJ Jones, one of the top DL on the market.
The Denver Broncos, after a relatively quiet day one of the NFL Free Agency negotiating period, have finally made a move. The team agreed to terms on a three-year contract with free agent defensive lineman DJ Jones, formerly of the San Francisco 49ers.
Jones, who is just 27, was considered one of the top defensive linemen on the free agent market and one of the best run defenders available.
👀👀👀
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) March 15, 2022
Denver Broncos get Shelby Harris replacement in DJ Jones
After the Russell Wilson trade, the Denver Broncos knew they would have to go out and get a replacement for starting defensive end Shelby Harris, who had just signed a new deal with the team last offseason.
Now, the Broncos have someone in place who is 3.5 years younger than Harris and who is coming off of a very good season with the 49ers.
Actually, DJ Jones is coming off of a couple of very good seasons for the 49ers.
Over the last two years, he has a combined 17 tackles for loss and 5.0 sacks. He had a career-best 56 total tackles last season, showing off his impressive ability to make plays on the interior defensive line.
There’s more pass rush potential here than meets the eye as well, and Jones has an outstanding get-off at the snap and burst through the line of scrimmage.
Jones is getting a nice and deserved pay day from the Broncos as well. This deal is worth a reported $30 million over three seasons with $20 million in guarantees, and $10 million per year on average is no small deal for a defensive lineman these days.
As a matter of fact, Harris was signed to nearly the exact same contract a year ago.
Given the team’s need at the position, Jones’ age (again, he’s only 27), his productivity — especially against the run — and his upside as a pass rusher moving forward, it’s hard to give this any grade except an “A” for George Paton and the Broncos.
One factor that also really plays in Jones’ favor? He didn’t miss a single game for the 49ers last season.
The combination of factors here with Jones makes the Russell Wilson trade look even better, in my opinion. This free agent class on the defensive line wasn’t exactly “deep” so for the Broncos to come away with a really good player like this at a really good price is exciting.
Overall grade for the signing: A
The Broncos addressed a key need. They didn’t overpay. They got a player who is only 27 and still ascending. They added a strong starter who will pair well with Dre’Mont Jones for the future, and hopefully Jones will get a contract extension at some point soon as well.