49ers defensive tackle D.J. Jones, a 2017 sixth-rounder who agreed to remain with San Francisco on a one-year, $3.5MM pact back in March, is enjoying a breakout campaign. He has positioned himself well for a lucrative, multi-year contract this offseason, and he knows it.
As Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle writes, Jones did not give a canned, cliched answer when recently asked if he was thinking about his upcoming payday. “The way I’m playing, yes sir,” Jones said. “I’d be lying to you if I didn’t say that. … I want to retire my father and mother from the barbecue business. I want to make sure my sisters don’t have to do another thing, as long they invest the money that I provide correctly. I completely understand the situation I’m in. I’m not going to say that’s why I’m balling. I’m doing my job for my team. Those are rewards.”
Jones offers a rare combination of strength and speed, and through 12 games in 2021, he has already matched or set career highs in tackles (42) and tackles for loss (seven). He has just one sack, and Pro Football Focus’ metrics paint him as a so-so pass rusher, but his high scores as a run stopper help to counterbalance any deficiencies in that regard. His overall score of 75.7 positions him as the 15th-best interior defender in the league out of 127 qualifiers.
Despite his modest draft status, Jones has developed a reputation as one of the game’s most difficult-to-move D-linemen, a reputation that he credits to his weight room efforts.
“Not bragging, not boasting, but I’ve always been the strongest guy wherever I’ve been,” Jones said. “I feel like that strength comes from endless hours in the weight room. And dedicating myself.”
Branch expects that the 49ers will prioritize a Jones re-up this offseason, and Jones is certainly amenable to continuing his career in the Bay Area. “I would love to stay here,” he said. “I would love to be a 49er for the rest of my career. It’s as simple as that. But we’ll cross that bridge when it comes time.”
WFT’s Jonathan Allen, Jones’ draftmate, has generated higher sack totals and did not take as long as Jones to come into his own. However, the four-year $72MM extension ($35.6MM guaranteed) that Allen signed in July could provide a reasonable benchmark for Jones, even if he doesn’t quite hit those numbers.
I’d like to know where his dad’s BBQ joint is at. I love BBQ! Best to him and hope he can provide for all his family.
Big Dave’s in South Carolina
And thanks to having their own DJ,
the music at the 49er’s stadium has never been better !!
If John Lynch were to give DJ Jones an extension of anywhere near Jonathan Allen got, he should be fired on the spot. Jones is good but he’s not worth THAT much. Good run stuffer but he’s dealt with injuries most of his career too
Love to see these young men getting rewarded for working hard. At the end of the day this is what they do to provide for their families and it sounds like he takes that to heart and puts the work in. Best of luck to you big fella.
link to thebigdavesbbq.com
Jones is worthy of a solid contract, but he’s not worth J.Allen money. If they’re confident that Kinlaw will be healthy next season, then I’d either franchise and trade him, or simply let him walk, and they can get back draft compensation later.
If I’m Lynch, I’d go 4 yr 55 mil with 25 guaranteed, but thats about as high as I’d go. He eats blocks ajd is successful in the run game, but he’s often injured, and he isn’t a good rusher from the interior.
I love DJJ, but unfortunately he’s replaceable, and with Bosa needing a Mega extension coming up soon, that money would be better allocated in the secondary…
They alres6have Givens and Kinlaw, they could draft another interior DL, or sign a veteran in free agency. Either way, DJJ is likely gone after this season, sadly..But great for him and his family, I hope he gets paid extremely well, just not by the 49ers..It definitely pains me to say that, but thats the business with a cap..