49ers news: 2021 NFL free agency tracker with updates, analysis
By Peter Panacy
49ers keep D.J. Jones to solidify D-line
An underrated-yet-important move to help ensure the 49ers defensive line stayed as intact as possible was to keep fifth-year nose tackle D.J. Jones from hitting the open market.
Jones is now returning on a one-year deal after being a key starter for base downs the last two years, according to Ian Rapoport:
The #49ers are re-signing DT D.J. Jones, source said, and he gets a 1-year deal. An underrated starter for them.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 17, 2021
Over the last two years, the Niners’ sixth-round pick from the 2017 NFL Draft accumulated 43 tackles and five sacks, showing he’s more than just a situational run-stuffer.
San Francisco could have let Jones walk, instead electing to go with third-year pro nose tackle Kevin Givens, who excelled while Jones was out last year with ankle injuries. But D-line depth is never a bad thing, and the 49ers do have some question marks within this group beyond the starting cast.
Reverting Givens back to a reserve role while letting Jones reassume his starting job isn’t a bad move at all.
Especially considering the likelihood of Jones not costing San Francisco too much.
Next. 49ers final 7-round mock draft before free-agent frenzy. dark