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

How Dre'Mont Jones can earn an exorbitant reward vs. Derrick Henry

By Clark Dalton | Last updated 11/10/22

If Dre'Mont Jones can help prevent Derrick Henry, the NFL's rushing leader, from demolishing Denver's (3-5) defense, he will earn an exorbitant reward.

Jones, a fourth-year defensive end, is having his best season to date. Through eight games, he's led the Broncos in tackles for loss (8.5) and sacks (5.5). He's on pace to break his career highs in both those statistics. His efforts in a 21-17 victory over the Jaguars helped him earn AFC Defensive Player of the Week Honors for Week 8.

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"No one's playing better than Dre'Mont Jones right now," said Titans head coach Mike Vrabel, per Denver Post Broncos reporter Parker Gabriel.

The potential career year comes at the right time for Jones, who's in the final year of his rookie contract and hopes to get paid handsomely.

"Jones would be a fool to play at a discount for an NFL team that hasn't won diddly in years," writes Denver Post columnist Mark Kiszla.

Jones is having a great season, but Denver might be reluctant to give him a massive contract. He hasn't made a Pro Bowl in four seasons, and he's never replicated this year's numbers.

Nevertheless, if he dismantles Henry and continues to produce, Denver will have to pay him, especially after trading Bradley Chubb to the Dolphins. They want to keep the league's No.2 defense intact.

Consequently, Henry is Jones' focal point.

"He's public enemy No.1," Jones said, per The Athletic's Nick Kosmider.

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