5 potential 49ers free agents we will miss (if they aren’t re-signed)
By Peter Panacy
49ers free-agent No. 2: Defensive tackle D.J. Jones
Like Raheem Mostert and K’Waun Williams, nose tackle D.J. Jones is another player who has paralleled the Niners’ rebuild from 2017 all the way through last season, helping the team make two NFC Championship games and one Super Bowl in that span.
Not bad for a sixth-round NFL Draft pick.
Jones’ ascent began his rookie year, and he was named a starter the following season. And while Jones dealt with ankle injuries for much of his tenure, San Francisco nevertheless felt comfortable bringing him back on a one-year deal for 2021.
It’s possible Jones realizes his fit within the 49ers offense and wishes to remain with a contender. But after three high-quality years in which he’s tallied seven sacks over that span, not bad for a run-stopping 1-technique defender, it’s just as likely Jones wants to seek out what could be his biggest payday yet.
And that could lead to the Niners not being able to afford to keep him around.
Nose tackles typically don’t cost a lot, and serviceable ones are generally easy to find on the open market. Whether or not that means Jones, who has been such a vital part of San Francisco’s defensive line rotation, winds up being retained is anyone’s guess.
Still, it would be tough seeing him sign elsewhere in 2022.