The Broncos make a move to bolster their defensive line
Mar 14, 2022, 8:07 PM
It’s no secret that the Broncos need to improve on the defense. They’ve been stripped of talent on that side of the ball since the end of last season, due to both free agency and trades. So that was where many expected George Paton to focus his attention this offseason.
On Monday night, news broke that Denver’s general manager was doing just that. During the NFL’s “legal tampering” period prior to the start of free agency, the Broncos have reached an agreement with a key addition.
Source: The #Broncos agreed to terms with DT DJ Jones on a 3-year, $30M deal with $20M fully guaranteed. Big addition.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 15, 2022
Jones comes to the Broncos from the 49ers, where he’s been the anchor in the middle of a stout defense. He started all 17 games in 2021 for San Francisco, recording 2.0 sacks, 56 tackles and 10 tackles for a loss.
He’s force in the middle of the defense, something the Broncos desperately need. With Shelby Harris off to Seattle as part of the Russell Wilson trade, Denver had to make a move to bolster their defensive line.
Jones accomplishes that goal. According to Pro Football Focus, he brings a lot to the table:
Jones is listed as San Francisco’s nose tackle, but there aren’t too many true nose tackles lining up exclusively in 0- or 1-techniques in the NFL any more, Jones included. 70% of his defensive snaps over the past three seasons have come lined up from the A gap to the B gap rather than lined up over or shading the center. Given that Jones’ 13 pressures in 2021 are the most of his career, his primary value is going to come against the run on early downs regardless of where he’s lining up.
The Broncos still have needs on defense. Edge rusher tops the list. Middle linebacker is a must. Cornerback would be nice.
But on Monday, they solved one of their major issues. Adding a 6-foot, 300-pound enforcer to the middle of their defense is a great first step in free agency.
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