Dre'Mont Jones Update Is Great News For The Bears

The announcement that Da'Ron Payne had been franchise tagged by the Washington Commanders wasn't a surprise. It was unfortunate. The Chicago Bears are in desperate need of a penetrating three-technique defensive tackle. Justin Jones tried to be that last year after the failure to sign Larry Ogunjobi. It didn't work out. That isn't really Jones' game. He doesn't have the natural burst and quickness to fill that role. So if Payne is off the table, the Bears must find an alternative. Enter Dre'Mont Jones.

Most experts agree the Denver Broncos defensive lineman is the #2 interior pass rush option behind Payne in this free agent class. He has averaged at least 5.5 sacks each of the past three years and just turned 26 years old. This is the kind of veteran prospect a rebuilding team like Chicago can picture in their long-term plans. The big question is whether he will reach the open market. Troy Renck of Denver7 made it pretty clear he won't be franchise tagged, and the odds of an extension happening before March 15th are remote.

In other words, Jones will be a free agent.

Dre'Mont Jones seems ready to follow the money.

That isn't a surprise. He didn't get the big bucks of a 1st round pick or any major NIL deals in college. So this is his big chance to earn a massive payday. With Payne off the table, his market should be strong. The Bears have more money than any other team by miles. They can afford any price he wants. It comes down to whether GM Ryan Poles is willing to pay it. He's been clear about his desire to avoid overpaying for free agents. He wants to build through the draft. That being said, Jones is better than most of the defensive tackle options in the upcoming class.

Projections have him costing somewhere between $17-20 million per year, depending on how hot the market gets. Chicago can afford any of those prices, but it remains to be seen if they're willing to pay that kind of money to an outside free agent. Dre'Mont Jones offers them something they desperately need. His addition would grant them far more flexibility going into the draft. Poles could focus on finding edge rush or offensive line help in the 1st round. Either way, the Bears will have the opportunity, at least.