Eight-year veteran defensive tackle D.J. Jones has signed a new contract with the Denver Broncos. Jones, a former sixth-round pick, spent the 2024 season with the Denver Broncos but has also played for the San Francisco 49ers.
The #Broncos are close to a deal for DT D.J. Jones at around $13M per year, per source. Denver trying to keep core piece before free agency. pic.twitter.com/7OwPLoxqUc
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 10, 2025
D.J. Jones, Denver Broncos, Agree to Contract
Entering the season with low expectations, the Denver Broncos made a surprising trip to the playoffs due in part to Jones’ strong play. Anchoring one of the best front sevens in the league, the longtime veteran started all 17 games while recording one sack, three passes defended, 42 tackles, one tackle-for-loss, three quarterback hits, and a 67.3 PFF grade, the 33rd-best out of 118 eligible players. The Broncos earned the final AFC playoff spot but ultimately fell to Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills in the Wild Card round.
D.J. Jones originally entered the league as a sixth-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. Selected by the San Francisco 49ers, the Mississippi product didn’t see the field much as a rookie and only played situationally. Making his way into nine games without recording a start, Jones finished his inaugural campaign with 10 tackles, one tackle-for-loss, and no sacks. He remained a rotational player in 2018, although his role grew marginally down the stretch.
After his two quiet seasons, Jones earned a starting spot in 2019 and never looked back. Starting and appearing in 11 games, the veteran recorded two sacks, 23 tackles, four tackles-for-loss, two quarterback hits, and a 67.8 PFF grade during his first season with meaningful playing time. Unfortunately, a high-ankle sprain sidelined him for the later part of the regular season and he had to watch as the 49ers went on to lose the Super Bowl to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Following two additional solid seasons in San Francisco, Jones signed a three-year contract with the Denver Broncos in 2022. This proved to be a wise investment, as Jones played well during his first year in the Centennial State. Unfortunately, his solid play couldn’t overcome Russell Wilson’s disappointing performance.
Main Photo: Isaiah J. Downing – Imagn Images
