Denver Broncos defensive end Dre'Mont Jones Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Broncos should not overpay Dre'Mont Jones

By Clark Dalton | Last updated 3/2/23

Dre'Mont Jones's value isn't the right price for Denver.

Jones, Denver's sack leader last season, plans to test free agency, per Troy Reneck of KMGH-TV in Denver, after the Broncos chose not to franchise tag him. Although a Jones extension might lure the Broncos, they should avoid it.

In talking to source close to Dre’Mont Jones, he plans to test market. And #Broncos have no plans to franchise tag him. Daron Payne was tagged by Washington. So no reason for Jones to take deal w/o testing market as top DE now available. #Denver7 #Broncos
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) February 28, 2023

According to Spotrac, Jones' market value is a four-year deal worth $17.1M annually, the sixth highest among DEs.

While Jones is a solid player, giving him a contract within the ballpark of Saints DE Cameron Jordan ($17.5M annually) is rash.

Jordan has made seven Pro Bowls in 12 seasons and recorded 7.5 sacks or more 11 times. Jones has not made a Pro Bowl in four seasons and has never tallied more than seven sacks.

Jones did tie his career high in sacks (6.5) in 13 games this season, but it's not clear that's him reaching the next level.

His production tapered off after the Bradley Chubb trade, too. In eight games with Chubb, he registered 5.5 sacks. However, he only recorded one sack in five games without Chubb when he was the primary pass-rusher.

Denver's cap space is somewhat precarious. Per OTC, they're $9.6M under the cap, which is not terrible, but it's unable to hand out pricey extensions.

Also, the Broncos must prioritize the O-line in free agency. It allowed 63 sacks last season, the most in the NFL.

As offers from other teams roll in, it will likely drive Jones's price upward. Denver wants to avoid getting into a bidding war.

The bottom line, production doesn't match the price.

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