COLORADO SPRINGS — Denver Broncos defensive lineman D.J. Jones is drawing high praise heading into the 2026 season, with team leadership making clear the veteran interior defender remains a cornerstone of one of the league's most productive defenses.
Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph made a pointed declaration during training camp. "In my opinion, he's the top nose in football," Joseph said. "He does things that other noses can't do. As a pass rusher (and) as a run stopper … he's special on game day."
Jones, 31, has been a staple of the defense since signing with the Broncos in NFL free agency in 2022, accounting for 161 tackles, 10 pass deflections, eight sacks, and three fumble recoveries over that span. The organization rewarded him with a three-year, $39-million contract in March.
The veteran nose tackle enters his 10th NFL season with no signs of slowing down. That assessment is shared across the roster. Right guard Quinn Meinerz described Jones as "a consistent, solid nose tackle," adding, "He makes practice difficult." Head coach Sean Payton echoed that sentiment, saying Jones is "experienced" and has "really good instincts," noting the tackle knows how to handle double teams and calling his presence "felt at all times."
Despite the external acclaim, Jones has kept a low profile at camp. "I don't wake up and say: 'I've got to lead today.' I try my best to be myself," Jones said. "Help out as much as I can and be a shoulder to lean on. If anybody has any questions, I feel I have the right to speak up as soon as the question is asked."
Jones expressed confidence in the defense despite the offseason departures of defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers and linebacker Dre Greenlaw, saying he expects the unit to reach new heights in 2026. The ambitions are specific. Jones has said publicly that the Broncos intend to break the NFL team sacks record of 72, set by the Chicago Bears in 1984 — a mark Denver came within four of last season, logging 68 sacks.
"For the most part, we kept the group together. I love the fact that they kept everybody together," Jones said. "Yes, we lost 'JFM' and Greenlaw, but the guys that are replacing them have been here. So I love the core of this defense."
The Broncos are scheduled to host the Green Bay Packers on Friday night at Empower Field for their second preseason game, which will offer an early on-field look at how the retooled defensive line performs heading into the regular season.