D.J. Jones is set to cash in this offseason. The fourth year player out of Ole' Miss has played phenomenal this season and is very likely going to be amongst the most sought after interior defensive linemen in free agency this off season. With a hefty payday merely a formality at this point, the defensive tackle has his eyes set on an opportunity that eluded him during the 49ers Super Bowl run of 2019. A win Sunday over their NFC West rivals the Los Angeles Rams would give Jones the chance to play on the game's biggest stage.
Jones went on season ending IR with a high ankle sprain after the 49ers thrilling 48 - 46 win over the New Orleans Saints in Week 14 of the 2019 season. Jones had emerged as the starter opposite then 49er DeForest Buckner on the interior coming out of the 2019 training camp. Due to the late season injury Jones could only watch as his teammates came within minutes of hoisting the Lombardi Trophy.
With the 49ers failing to make the playoffs last year, this post season is the first of Jones' career and he is taking full advantage of it. In the 49ers two playoff games so far this season, he has consistently gotten in the opposing teams backfield, racking up five tackles, one for loss, and a sack. Jones looks to keep up his game-wrecking play Sunday night against the Rams.
In Week 18 vs the Rams, Jones had one of the five 49er sacks of Rams QB Matthew Stafford. Jones also played a pivotal role in holding the Rams to a mere 64 yards rushing on 27 attempts. Jones knows that his play will be an integral part of the 49ers getting back to the Super Bowl.
Aside from his amazing blend of quickness and sheer strength, Jones's best quality may be his unselfish attitude. Jones called fellow defensive lineman Arik Armstead "the most important player on the team" after Armstead made the midseason switch to the interior next to Jones from his long standing position as defensive end. The two have dominated opposing offenses since the move was made.
For Jones the praise of Armstead is definitely sincere, however from what he has shown all season, he knows that his play will be just as important as he hopes to get the chance that he missed out on to bring the Lombardi Trophy back to the bay.