Doing the heavy lifting in the trenches doesn't often garner the shine that it perhaps should, especially in the high-scoring modern NFL. For the big men, like Denver Broncos defensive tackle D.J. Jones, garnering a lucrative contract can significantly soften the blow.
Last offseason, Jones took his defensive talents from San Francisco to Denver, signing a three-year contract worth $30 million. Regarded as one of the game’s most reliable interior run stuffers, Jones largely lived up to his billing, despite battling some nagging injuries which cost him a pair of games.
Indeed, the former 49ers defender did enough for CBS Sports' Cody Benjamin to recognize Jones as being one of the most unappreciated players in the league.
"His numbers have never been gaudy, but he's been an above-average interior man for at least four years now, dating back to his days with the 49ers," Benjamin wrote. "Removed from the Nick Bosa companionship in 2022, he still starred as a top-flight run stuffer in Denver. With 20 tackles for loss and 10 QB hits the last three seasons, he's a legit anchor alongside newcomer Zach Allen."
Jones' first year in Denver did yield some notable statistical returns, like three tackles for losses, two sacks, and six passes defended. It could all be regarded as setting the table for what's to come in Year 2 in Denver, and with Allen arriving to bolster the D-line, hopes are high that Jones can kick things into a higher gear.
Head coach Sean Payton will be hoping that Jones can soak up multiple blockers to let his pass rushers get free to the quarterback. While that is the grand plan, many skeptical analysts have been quick to suggest the Broncos are perhaps a little thin in the defensive trenches.
Losing versatile lineman Dre'Mont Jones was mitigated by the arrival of Allen from the Arizona Cardinals. That being said, the 25-year-old Allen could really flourish if he can work in tandem with his big interior linemen.
The previous regime's substantial financial investment into Jones has to continue to pay off if the Broncos are going to return to competitive relevancy in the super-loaded AFC West.
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