Broncos, Dre'Mont Jones Engaged in 'Very Positive' Contract Talks

Denver is unlikely to use the franchise tag on Jones.

The Denver Broncos and Dre'Mont Jones have held "very positive" discussions that could lead to a new contract for the impending free-agent defensive end.

"I’ve spoken with his agent, Kyle McCarthy, from Athletes First," general manager George Paton revealed Tuesday at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. "I’ve had a number of conversations with Dre’Mont. Dre’Mont is a very good player. He’s one of our core players on defense. They’ve been very positive.”

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Jones, a 2019 third-round pick, is Denver's top unsigned player after posting 76 solo tackles, 38 quarterback hits, and 22.0 sacks across 56 career games, including 29 starts. He led the team in tackles-for-loss (9) and sacks (6.5) last season despite finishing on injured reserve with a hip ailment

Jones is also a prime candidate for the $19.7 million franchise tag, which the Broncos are unlikely to apply ahead of the March 7 deadline. 9NEWS' Mike Klis reported last week "they may pass [on the tag] in hopes of working out deal by March 13-15 FA opener."

Market projections indicate Jones could garner a four-year, $68.5 million deal —$17.1 million in annual salary — that would make him the league's sixth-highest-paid DE.

The Broncos are only $9.617 million under the 2023 salary cap, though Paton has promised to be "aggressive" in free agency. Locking down Jones, in the neighborhood of the above estimate, would qualify.

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