The Denver Broncos needed to improve their run defense this offseason, and they did so in part by signing veteran defensive lineman D.J. Jones to a three-year, $30 million contract.
Jones totaled 126 tackles (23 behind the line of scrimmage), nine quarterback hits, seven sacks, three pass breakups and three forced fumbles in five years (61 games) with the 49ers. He’s now looking to build on those numbers in Denver.
“Dominate here,” Jones said on May 24 when asked what the next step forward in his career is. “I feel like I made a mark in San Francisco, but I think it’s time to bring that here and help this community and help this team. I’m here to do whatever they need me to do.”
One of Jones’ teammates in San Francisco, cornerback K’Waun Williams, also signed with the Broncos this offseason. Williams has witnessed firsthand what Jones is capable of on the defensive line.
“A lot, man,” Willams said earlier this month when asked what Jones brings to the defense. “A lot of explosion, and a lot of big-play ability. He runs after the ball, and he makes a lot of big plays out there. Having him come with me from San Fran has been great in us learning, adapting, and embracing a new scheme.”
Jones has big expectations for Denver’s defensive line this season, saying he believes the unit can rank No. 1 in the NFL if they stay healthy. He also has big expectations for himself, aiming to top five sacks in 2022.
“I think this is the perfect scheme to do it,” Jones said of his five-sack goal. “It’s the perfect group of guys to work with and better myself in that …. I think everybody’s goal is to be first-team, second-team, Pro Bowl and things like that to be recognized by coaches and players. [Also], just dominate. That’s all I want to do — be a wrecking ball.”
A wrecking ball? Yup. That’ll do.
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