49ers free agency: Predicting landing spots for top 5 free agents
By Peter Panacy
49ers free-agent No. 4: Defensive tackle D.J. Jones
It’ll probably be an easy decision for San Francisco to let Jason Verrett walk, as it got by without him despite deficiencies in the secondary.
Not so easy a decision with nose tackle D.J. Jones, though.
Jones has emerged as a vital cog in the 49ers’ defensive line rotation since being drafted in 2017, and him returning on a one-year bargain deal for $3.5 million in 2021 was a steal. It’s not likely Jones will settle for another low-level contract again, however.
If there’s good news, 1-technique defensive linemen don’t typically command top dollar on the open market, although rebuilding teams like the Detroit Lions and Jacksonville Jaguars would be in a position to overbid on talent. The Arizona Cardinals and Buffalo Bills, too, could be seeking out interior upgrades.
Should that be the case, the Niners may have to decide between Jones and another one of their top free agents, meaning the choice could be a tough one.
Let’s speculate San Francisco goes with another option instead of Jones, as tough as it might be.
Prediction: Detroit Lions