It is no secret the Chicago Bears are active around the trade deadline every year under GM Ryan Poles. They added Chase Claypool in 2022 and Montez Sweat last year. Poles has said he will always actively look for ways to improve his football team. This year doesn’t figure to be any different. It comes down to who might be available and how much it would cost to get them. The immediate assumption is the Bears will at least try to find some offensive line help for their interior, but that feels unlikely.
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However, this year could have a considerable assortment of options on the defensive line market. While Haason Reddick remains the hot name, Dan Graziano of ESPN mentioned another who might be on the Bears’ radar in the next few weeks. That is defensive tackle D.J. Jones in Denver.
The former 49er signed a three-year, $30 million deal with Denver before the 2022 season, so he’s in the final year of his contract, making $10 million. Early returns indicate the Broncos could be in for a rough season, and Jones predates coach Sean Payton there, which could mean the writing is on the wall. Jones turns 30 in January, so he’s not likely to be a candidate for a long-term extension with a new team, but he could help a contender as a half-season rental. Jones has six tackles and a QB hit through two games.
Potential landing spot: Chicago Bears. Matt Eberflus’ defense has played well to start the season, but his history tells us he doesn’t believe you can be too deep on the defensive line. Other fits include the 49ers, Eagles, Cowboys and Bengals.
— Akash Anavarathan (@akashanav) January 18, 2022D.J. Jones has such a quick first step for a player that weighs over 300 pounds — it's insane how he's doing this.
Connor Williams was getting worked on Sunday and Jones blows right by 52 for the sack. pic.twitter.com/7qY5XPbujR
— Coach Yac 🗣 (@Coach_Yac) September 23, 2021D.J. Jones is 8th among all interior Dlinemen in the NFL with a PFF grade of 81.8
Here he beats a double-team on 3rd & 1 & blows up Miles Sanders, forcing Philly to attempt a field goal that was blocked by Javon Kinlaw. #49ers pic.twitter.com/V3RQT4BEzn
Jones would fit right in with the Chicago Bears.
Before anybody asks, he is not some elite interior pass rusher. His career high is three sacks. That said, he’s shown he can be a pest in that department. In 2022, he had 30 quarterback pressures for Denver. The best way to describe him is another Andrew Billings-type. He is a big body who can play the run and sneaks up on you as a pass rusher, thanks to his underrated athleticism. There is no question he would be a great part of the Bears’ interior rotation, giving Billings some extra opportunities to rest.
Jones is 29 years old. There should be plenty of gas left in the tank. The Broncos defense has been pretty stout this season. Unfortunately, their offense has a lot of issues. Their upcoming schedule is brutal, with the Buccaneers, Jets, Chargers, and Saints all looming before the trade deadline. If those games go as expected, there is no doubt Denver will be a seller on the market. If Jones is available, he could help the Chicago Bears. The cost to acquire him would likely be a late round pick.
