Compensation update: defensive tackle DJ Jones and the Broncos reached agreement on a three-year, $39 million deal that includes $26 million fully guaranteed, per source.
In the Broncos’ defensive line revival last fall, everyone received recognition. However, from an outsider’s perspective, veteran D.J. Jones, who played in the middle, may have gotten less credit than others. Those directly involved, though, were quick to point out how crucial Jones’ role and performance were in helping the defense go from one of the NFL’s worst to one of its best.
In response, just before free agency, the Broncos secured Jones for the future by agreeing to a three-year deal, according to multiple sources. One source confirmed the deal is worth approximately $13 million annually.
Jones celebrated the agreement with a post on social media.
At 30 years old, the South Carolina native is getting a significant pay raise from the three-year, $30 million contract he signed before the 2022 season. This isn’t surprising, given that he played some of his best football during the final year of that deal. Jones anchored the interior of the defensive line for Vance Joseph’s unit, working alongside Malcolm Roach to strengthen the Broncos’ run defense.
Jones ranked second among defensive tackles in ESPN’s run stop win rate. As a unit, the Broncos’ defense was second in pass rush win rate and eighth in run stop win rate.
By retaining Jones, the Broncos have the chance to bring back their entire defensive line rotation for 2025, including Roach, Zach Allen, John Franklin-Myers, and reserves Jordan Jackson and Eyioma Uwazurike.
After the season, Jones told The Post that he hoped to return to Denver, especially due to the bond built with his teammates.
“We were just talking about that in the D-line room, man,” he said in mid-January. “Just go individual by individual, it’s a special group. Special team. Hate that it ended this way, but all good things come to an end. … I feel like we’ve built some culture here. We’ve brought some culture back. I’d love to come back.”
Jones also praised the organization, particularly the strength and conditioning staff, for helping him feel like he’s “hitting my prime” even in his eighth NFL season.
“The way upstairs and our trainers have come together to build longevity here is amazing,” he said. “I’ve been here and San Fran, but to be able to see how many guys are walking out on their own abilities when the season is over is amazing. That’s not normal. In this league? That’s not normal. At all.”
Now, Jones has the opportunity to extend his career and reach a decade in the same place he’s spent the past three years.