Denver Broncos Futures: Which 2023 free agents will return for next year?

Denver Broncos defensive lineman Dre'Mont Jones. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)
Denver Broncos defensive lineman Dre'Mont Jones. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images) /
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Denver Broncos, Kareem Jackson
Kareem Jackson #22 of the Denver Broncos walks on the field during the fourth quarter of the game against the Washington Football Team at Empower Field At Mile High on October 31, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Tafoya/Getty Images) /

Which 2023 free agents should return to the Denver Broncos?

4. Dre’Mont Jones, DL, Kareem Jackson, S

I think these two players have polar opposite futures in Denver.

Kareem Jackson is nearing the end of his career.  Now well into his 30s, Jackson isn’t the player he once was but was very good for three years in Denver.

Returning on a cheap deal for year four, I think Jackson may have an uphill battle to not only crack, the starting lineup but crack the roster itself.

Jackson could even best be served as a player/coach type gig, where he isn’t always on the active roster, but can serve as a valuable veteran leader/mentor on the sidelines.

As for Dre’Mont Jones, the fourth-year player is entering the final year of his rookie contract.  He’s got 15.5 sacks through his three seasons as an interior player and is a defensive cornerstone along the front seven.

In my opinion, there is no reason why Dre’Mont Jones shouldn’t be given a long extension to stay in Denver.

He and DJ Jones can be game-wreckers along the defensive line.

I would suspect that George Paton might be willing to get an extension done either this offseason or during the 2022 season for Jones.

As for Kareem Jackson, do not expect him to be in the orange and blue for 2023.

Prediction/Decision: Kareem Jackson – Do not keep, Dre’Mont Jones: Keep