Here's Why Dre'Mont Jones' Future With Broncos is Cloudy

Dre’Mont Jones has been stellar for the Denver Broncos, playing on the defensive interior through his first four seasons. Jones is set to be an unrestricted free agent when the new league year officially starts on March 15.

While he is a quality piece for a Broncos defense lacking firepower on the defensive line, Jones hasn’t indicated he wants to stay in the Mile High City. He’s been dismissive when asked about staying in Denver, which doesn’t bode well for an extension.

What led to Jones' dismissive and apathetic attitude towards the Broncos, and what could happen going forward?

Before the Week 9 contest against the Tennessee Titans, Jones was asked about his future in Denver. When he was asked if he wants to "stay here," his reply was standoffish.

“I’m here right now," Jones said.

Not exactly glowing enthusiasm about sticking around. After edge rusher Bradley Chubb was traded to the Miami Dolphins, Jones’ drive seemed to diminish.

Chubb was respected as a locker room leader, and to see him get shipped out in a season spiraling out of control was a massive hit to morale. Losing a friend in the locker room undeniably took its toll.

Jones may believe that his play, no matter how impactful, will not be appreciated by the front office, and he, too, will be cast out of Denver. Not being a part of a winning team since he entered the NFL as a Broncos third-rounder in 2019 also weighs heavily through different two coaching staffs.

Recently, Jones has liked several 'anti-Russell Wilson' posts on Twitter. Wilson contributed to the many struggles that the Broncos’ offense faced this year, but you’re supposed to back your teammates even if you’re frustrated.

This isn’t something you want while trying to build a new culture. If Jones' toxic behavior continues through the offseason, it may be a good idea to let him walk to set an example.

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Last offseason, San Francisco 49ers wideout Deebo Samuel was in a similar situation. All over social media was speculation of Samuel feeling hurt that the Niners weren’t willing to pay him what he wanted.

The back and forth had fans torn on their feelings toward him until he finally signed his extension. Samuel has since elevated his team and proven he was well with the money.

On the opposite side, wideout AJ Brown was looking for an extension with the Titans but was ultimately traded to the Philadelphia Eagles. Eagles fans are now laughing as Brown helped catapult them to the Super Bowl while the Titans missed the playoffs due in part to their bottom-five passing game.

The Broncos will have to figure out if Jones' play is worthy of another contract, and if not, they need to pray he doesn’t prove them wrong elsewhere. New head coach Sean Payton will be critical in convincing Jones to stay.

Payton is trying to flip Denver back to its championship culture. Michael Thomas was a handful in New Orleans, but Payton was able to reign him in. Jones isn’t nearly as dramatic, and Payton's pedigree may give him a change of heart.

Bottom Line

If the Broncos choose to extend Jones, they’ll have to open up the checkbook. He’s likely to command around $17-19 million a year or $19 million for a year on the franchise tag.

Denver has to decide whether Jones is worth paying top dollar with several holes to fill on the roster. Alas, the Broncos' defensive line play will likely decline if Jones walks or is tagged and traded. The front office has a tough decision to make.

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