Determining the future of defensive tackle Justin Jones, one of the Chicago Bears’ free agents, is a complex decision. While Pro Football Focus may have a different opinion, there are several factors to consider. In 2022, PFF ranked the Bears’ defensive tackles unfavorably, with Jones claiming the lowest ranking among all Bears tackles, including rookies Zacch Pickens and Gervon Dexter (who were ranked 83rd and 101st, respectively).
Jones occupies a crucial position on the defensive line known as the three technique. Positioned on the weak side between the guard and tackle, he is responsible for attacking upfield in the gap. However, it is essential that his actions align with the rest of the defensive front to maintain gap integrity and prevent ball carriers from exploiting openings in the line.
Over the course of two seasons in a four-man base front with single-gap emphasis, Jones has shown improvement, although this may not be reflected in PFF’s assessment. His statistics speak for themselves. In 2023, he achieved a career-high of 4 1/2 sacks, compared to three in 2022. Jones also recorded 17 quarterback hits, a significant increase from the previous season’s seven, and a career-high of 22 pressures, surpassing his previous best by 12. Additionally, he successfully knocked down opposing quarterbacks 12 times, a feat he had never accomplished more than three times before.
While Jones may have had slightly fewer tackles for loss this season, the disparity between his 10 this year and 12 the previous year is compensated by the presence of other capable playmakers on the defensive line in 2023, who limited Jones’ opportunities.
Last year, the other defensive players on the Bears’ roster contributed significantly to the team’s success, recording 55 tackles for loss. In 2023, this number increased to 62. The presence of players like T.J. Edwards and nose tackle Andrew Billings was particularly beneficial for the team.
During the Bears’ final six games, they held their opponents to 17 points or less in five of those matchups, with the one exception being a game where they allowed 20 points. Justin Jones played a crucial role in this defensive improvement.
At the end of the season, Bears coach Matt Eberflus highlighted Jones as one of the key players who played a vital role in the team’s defensive improvement, which resulted in their 12th ranking in the league. Eberflus praised the dynamic players acquired through free agency, including Jones, and expressed excitement about their future together.
However, whether Jones returns to the team may depend on the Bears’ ability to find a better replacement in free agency—a player who can seamlessly fit into the defensive scheme and perform at a higher level than Jones.
Finding an immediate impact player at the three technique position in the draft is challenging. It is rare to discover a player who can meet the Bears’ specific requirements right away.
Jer’Zhan Newton from the University of Illinois is considered the top player in this draft class who fits the Bears’ scheme. His connection to the Lovie Smith regime, combined with the similarities between their scheme and the Bears’ current one, makes him a logical choice.
Free agency also offers potential options for top defensive tackles. Players like Chris Jones from Kansas City, Justin Madubuike from Baltimore, Christian Wilkins from Miami, and Leonard Williams from Seattle could be available. However, some of them may receive the franchise tag.
Jones, while not yet dominant, is still developing in his position. Madubuike, on the other hand, comes from a different defensive scheme and played as an end in a 3-4 system, so it would be necessary to assess how well he could transition to a single-gap front. Jones is considered the best defensive tackle in free agency, and potentially the entire league, but will be 30 years old next season.
Another factor to consider is the potential growth of Zacch Pickens and Gervon Dexter. It may be a stretch to expect Dexter to step up and claim the starting spot in his second year. He showed improvement towards the end of the season, with 2 1/2 sacks in his final five games and nine quarterback hits in his last eight games (compared to three in the first eight). However, Dexter did not record a single tackle for loss throughout the season. Pickens also had limited production, with only one tackle for loss and half a sack.
Relying on young players may not be a viable option for the Bears at this point. They will likely require a veteran presence at the three technique position to maintain or potentially exceed the level of interior pressure they achieved towards the end of last season.
Deciding on Justin Jones’ future with the team will undoubtedly be a challenging decision. The availability of top defensive tackles in free agency could heavily influence whether the Bears choose to bring him back or seek alternatives.
