Report: Broncos 'Likely to Keep' NT D.J. Jones
Less than a week ago, with NFL free agency about to begin, Denver Broncos nose tackle D.J. Jones was viewed as a surefire release candidate, another victim in the team's aggressive purging of high-priced talent.
But such was the case with wide receiver Tim Patrick, the Broncos experienced an apparent change of heart and now are "likely to keep" the veteran defender, according to the San Francisco Chronicle's Mike Silver, who reported on the 49ers' interest in a potential reunion with Jones.
Jones, 29, spent his first five seasons in the Bay Area before joining the Broncos in 2022, inking a three-year, $30 million contract that included $20 million guaranteed.
He's started 31 games for Denver, posting 52 solo tackles, eight tackles for loss, eight quarterback hits, six pass deflections, four sacks, and three forced fumbles across 1,128 total defensive snaps.
"The two things now that I’ve been around him is he’s very athletic and he has really good football IQ," head coach Sean Payton said of Jones last November. "Those traits can serve you well, especially when you bring up some plays or examples of plays. [He has] good football instincts and is athletic for an inside tackle.”
Largely a two-down run-stuffer, Jones — who's scheduled to count $12.958 million against the salary cap — should return to his starting role if retained (or restructured) by the Broncos, slotting in alongside newly-signed DT Malcolm Roach.
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