After a disastrous 2022 season that saw them miss the playoffs for the seventh straight time, the Denver Broncos have some hope for 2023 after the hiring of new head coach Sean Payton.
However, an announcement on Wednesday put a dent in that optimism.
Defensive end Dre’Mont Jones is going to become a free agent, and it could cost the Broncos lots of money to keep him in the Rocky Mountains.
Sources: Dre’Mont Jones plans to test the FA market and could command a contract in the $60-70M range.
One of the NFL’s premier DL and only 26, Jones comes off a career-year: 6.5 sacks, 10 QB hits, 9 TFLs and 1 FF in 13 games. #Broncos want to keep him, but will have to pay. pic.twitter.com/hwotmccpJm
—Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 1, 2023
Jones may be a rising star, and even though he isn’t one of the most prolific defensive ends in the NFL, he had a strong 2022 campaign.
At age 26, he could be a foundational piece for Denver if it decides to pony up the dough to retain him.
The team had one of the worst offenses in recent memory, as it finished last in points scored and was held under 20 points a whopping 11 times this season.
However, its defense wasn’t too shabby.
It ranked seventh in total yards allowed and fifth in passing touchdowns allowed, and that defense gave it a chance to win several of the games it lost.
Vance Joseph is back with the Broncos as their new defensive coordinator, and although he may not be a flashy hire, he did get them to finish third in total yards allowed in 2017 when he was their head coach.
Ultimately though, their hopes of returning to the playoffs and having a shot at doing some damage there will hinge on whether quarterback Russell Wilson rediscovers any of his old mojo from his days with the Seattle Seahawks.
NEXT:
Sean Payton Has Already Started Working With Russell Wilson
