The Denver Broncos raised eyebrows when they signed safety Brandon Jones to a three-year, $20 million deal in March 2024. The move was seen as a gamble, especially with Jones stepping in for former All-Pro Justin Simmons, who was released in a cost-cutting decision. At the time, Jones was viewed as a part-time player, having started just six games for the Miami Dolphins in 2023.
The signing didn’t impress analysts either ESPN’s Mike Clay ranked the Broncos’ starting lineup 31st out of 32 before the 2024 season, citing safety as a major concern. Clay noted that while Jones had potential, he had never played a full season as a starter.
Fast forward a year, and the narrative has dramatically changed. The Broncos surprised the league by making the playoffs and fielding one of the NFL’s top defenses, with Jones emerging as a standout performer. According to Pro Football Focus’ Jonathan Macri, Jones finished 2024 as one of the top five safeties both overall (84.8 grade) and in coverage (89.8). He logged a career-best 1,042 defensive snaps, nearly doubling his previous high, and thrived in coordinator Vance Joseph’s system.
Jones also benefited from playing alongside star cornerback Patrick Surtain II, who earned NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2024. Surtain’s elite play helped elevate Jones, who recorded career highs in starts (15), tackles (115), pass breakups (10), and interceptions (3).
Now 27, Jones looks well-positioned to earn the full value of his contract, which includes $11 million guaranteed. If he continues on this trajectory, another sizable deal could be in his future.
After a 10-7 season that ended a long playoff drought, the Broncos won’t catch anyone off guard in 2025. Still, their defense could rival the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles as the league’s best. Returning All-Pros Surtain, Zach Allen, and Nik Bonitto will anchor the unit, and first-round draft pick Jahdae Barron a versatile defensive back from Texas adds even more depth and flexibility.
