Denver opens 2025 with John Franklin-Myers as the glue of the defensive front, yet no extension in hand after this season. Denver piggybacks Courtland Sutton, Zach Allen and Nik Bonitto with big deals, creating a tight cap path that could squeeze Franklin-Myers’ market value. The veteran remains optimistic, while the organization weighs long-term structure and potential restructures to keep him in a crowded line. A Bo Nix extension looms post-2026, further tightening the books and forcing hard choices for Denver.

D.J. Jones, a nine-year veteran defensive lineman for the Denver Broncos, previously played with the San Francisco 49ers, where he was a key contributor to their defensive line. Jones, standing at 6'0" and weighing 305 pounds, was drafted in the sixth round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Over five seasons with the 49ers, he participated in 61 games and established himself as a formidable force in the trenches with 126 total tackles, 7.0 sacks, and pivotal plays leading to three forced fumbles. His contributions helped the 49ers reach the Super Bowl in 2021, underscoring his impact on defense.

Denver Broncos recently extended defensive lineman D.J. Jones for three years, solidifying a key component of their defensive strategy. Head coach Sean Payton emphasized the importance of a strong defensive line in building a competitive roster, believing that continuity in both the defensive and offensive lines is paramount for team success. Jones has proven to be a crucial player, contributing significantly to both run defense and pass protection, with impressive stats that include 122 tackles and 5 sacks over his tenure with the Broncos.

While the Broncos have secured Jones, they are eyeing further enhancements through the NFL Draft. With the 20th overall pick, potential targets include standout defensive linemen like Derrick Harmon, Walter Nolen, and Kenneth Grant. General Manager George Paton echoed the sentiment that enhancing their line strength is vital, aiming to take the defense to the next level. This proactive approach in the draft could position the Broncos for success in the upcoming season.

The Denver Broncos are building their optimism for the 2025 season on a solid foundation of talent in the offensive and defensive lines. General manager George Paton highlighted that these groups were instrumental to their success in the previous year, as evidenced by their improved sack differential, ranking first in the league for sacks. With all linemen retained from the 2024 season, the Broncos boast a remarkable 100% retention rate, which is a rarity in the NFL. This continuity is crucial as they prepare to enhance their roster through the draft and free agency.

The Broncos are considering options in the upcoming draft, especially among young athletic offensive linemen, while also looking at skill positions to support promising quarterback Bo Nix. The team’s cap situation shows they are heavily invested in their line, prompting considerations for future contract extensions. As they aim to maintain their success and address potential future needs, the focus remains clear: keep feeding the lines.