D.J. Jones Speaks on Former Teammates Joining Broncos

D.J. Jones Speaks on Former Teammates Joining Broncos originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

The Denver Broncos were aggressive during the first 36 hours of NFL free agency, signing three players to their roster who are expected to play major parts in the team's success in 2025.

The Broncos provided quarterback Bo Nix with another pass-catching weapon in the form of tight end Evan Engram, who inked a two-year, $23 million deal with the team. They also added reinforcements on the defensive side of the football with safety Talanoa Hufanga (three years, $39 million) and linebacker Dre Greenlaw (three years, $31.5 million), both of whom previously played for the San Francisco 49ers.

By joining the Broncos in free agency, both Hufanga and Greenlaw reunited with one of their former teammates: defensive tackle D.J. Jones, who played on the 49ers with Greenlaw from 2019 to 2021 and with Hufanga solely during the last year in that range.

Jones is also of the belief that both Hufanga and Greenlaw will have a major impact on the Broncos' defense in 2025, given what he has seen from them thus far.

"They are game-changers. Just go back and watch the film. Don’t even watch highlights, just watch them play after play and you’ll see. [Hufanga] had a pick today [in practice]," Jones said. "They’re special, both of them.”

Jones also admitted that he did not play a large role in bringing Hufanga and Greenlaw to Denver. Rather, it was what the Broncos did on the field – winning 10 regular-season games and making the playoffs for the first time since 2015 – that did the trick.

"I don’t think I had to do too much. I think what we did last year spoke volumes," Jones said. "I’m glad they’re here. You are going to see how special they are. You’re going to see why they brought them here. I played with everyone they signed. I’m excited for everyone to see them.”

Jones is an eight-year veteran who joined the Broncos as a free agent ahead of the 2022 season. In his time with the 49ers and Broncos, he has accumulated 248 tackles (including 32 tackles for loss), 12 sacks, 12 passes defended, and six forced fumbles across 109 games.

Related: Broncos’ Evan Engram Offers Six-Word Message on Bo Nix

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 10, 2025, where it first appeared.