Broncos avoid overpaying on first day of tampering

Quality over quantity. That was how the Denver Broncos approached their cash and spend tendencies on the first day of legal tampering during the 2022 NFL Free Agency period. While the Jacksonville Jaguars were spending $230 million on new contracts for players most would consider non-elite talent, Denver cautiously negotiated with the players they had on their board.

They made two free agent signings, but really they only made one during the legal tampering window. The first signing was for backup guard Ben Braden who was released by the Green Bay Packers in January.

The second was Denver’s only real move on that first day with a player still under contract with another team. They picked up former San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman D.J. Jones on a 3-year, $30 million deal with $20 million guaranteed. Quite a modest contract for a guy who ranked second behind only Aaron Donald in tackles for a loss or no gain. He is considered more of a run stuffer, so that could be why Denver was able to get him for less than a typical pass rusher. He will anchor the interior line against the run.

While we all know they still need help at right tackle and edge rusher, those names are still out there. Hopefully we see some movement on those fronts either today or tomorrow.

For now, how would you grade the Broncos signing of D.J. Jones on Monday?

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