Broncos Teeter On The Brink: Are They About To Retain DT Jones?

The Denver Broncos have been one of the most dominant teams in the National Football League (NFL) over the past two decades, with two Super Bowl wins and nine AFC West division titles under their belt. However, with the 2023 offseason in full swing, the Broncos find themselves facing an uncertain future. One of the most pressing questions on everyone's mind is whether the team will be able to retain their talented defensive tackle, Dre'Mont Jones.

Jones, a first-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, has quickly established himself as one of the top young defensive players in the league. With his speed, agility, and pass-rushing ability, he has been a key factor in the Broncos' ability to compete with the best teams in the league. But despite his impressive play, Jones is a free agent, and the Broncos will have to decide whether to keep him or let him go.

For fans of the Broncos, the thought of losing Jones is a scary one. Not only is he an elite player, but he's also a leader on the team and a fan favorite. Without him, the Broncos' defense would likely take a major hit, and it's hard to imagine the team being able to replicate his level of play. But for the front office, the decision to retain Jones will likely be based on a combination of factors, including his salary cap hit, his production on the field, and the team's overall salary cap situation.

The Numbers Don't Lie

When it comes to evaluating Jones' value to the Broncos, the numbers are certainly telling. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Jones has been one of the top defenders in the league since entering the league, with a career grade of 75.4 and an average of 75.6 in 2022. He's also been a key factor in the Broncos' ability to rush the quarterback, with 32 sacks in his first two seasons in the league.

In terms of salary, Jones is coming off a contract that pays him $2.5 million in 2023, with a total value of $10 million over the next three years. While this is certainly a significant salary for a young player, it's also worth noting that Jones is expected to be one of the top defensive tackles in the league for years to come, and his production on the field is likely to warrant a significant increase in pay.

The Salary Cap Situation

One of the biggest challenges facing the Broncos as they consider retaining Jones is their salary cap situation. The team has been one of the top spenders in the league in recent years, and their salary cap is already going to be a major concern in 2023. According to Spotrac, the Broncos' cap hit is expected to be $214 million in 2023, which is the highest in the league.

While Jones' salary is a significant portion of the team's cap hit, it's not the only factor that will be considered. The Broncos will also have to weigh the cost of retaining Jones against the cost of replacing him with another free agent or young player. In this regard, the team may need to consider alternatives, such as reworking the contract of another player or using the franchise tag to retain Jones.

Alternatives to Retaining Jones

So what are the alternatives to retaining Jones, and which one might be the best option for the Broncos? Here are a few possibilities:

• Reworking the contract of another player: The Broncos could try to rework the contract of another player to free up cap space. This could be a good option if the team is looking to retain a key player, but it may not be feasible if the player is not a priority.
• Using the franchise tag: The Broncos could use the franchise tag to retain Jones, which would allow them to keep him on the roster for one year at a level that is below the market rate. This option is often considered a last resort, as it can limit the team's flexibility in the offseason.
• Pursuing a younger player: The Broncos could try to pursue a younger player to replace Jones, which could be a more cost-effective option. However, this may require the team to sacrifice some of their talent and depth on the defensive line.

The Future of the Broncos' Defense

Regardless of what the Broncos decide to do with Jones, the team's defense is likely to undergo a significant transformation in the coming months. With Jones' status uncertain, the team will have to re-evaluate its defensive strategy and make some tough decisions about which players to keep and which to cut.

In the short term, the Broncos may be forced to adjust to life without Jones, which could lead to a decline in their defensive performance. However, if the team is able to find a suitable replacement for Jones, they may be able to maintain their defensive prowess and compete with the best teams in the league.

Ultimately, the decision to retain Jones is a critical one for the Broncos, and it will have a significant impact on the team's future success. While the numbers and salary cap situation are certainly telling, the team will have to consider a range of factors when making its decision.

Possibilities for Replacing Jones

If the Broncos decide to replace Jones, there are a number of possibilities that they could consider. Here are a few:

• Najee Harris: The Broncos could try to re-sign Harris, who has been a solid player for the team in his first two seasons.
• A.J. Spencer: Spencer is a young tackle who was drafted by the Broncos in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He has shown promise in his limited playing time.
• Shaq Mason: Mason is a veteran tackle who has played for several teams in the NFL. He's a solid player who could