JONES REUNITES WITH JOSEPH, JOINS BRONCOS
Adam Jones understands he’s been awarded more second chances than most football players. The Broncos’ newest cornerback has visited a variety of lows through a dozen NFL seasons. Arrests. Suspensions. Injuries.
Jones, in his first media introduction Monday since signing a one-year contract with Denver, wouldn’t run from it.
“I’m one of the ones who doesn’t mind telling kids and people about my stories and the mistakes I’ve made,” Jones said. “I don’t have a shield — my life is a glass life. There’s nothing that I’m hiding from anybody.”
Experience, for better or worse, ultimately led Jones to Denver. Not only does he reunite with coach Vance Joseph, his former defensive coordinator for two Pro Bowl seasons (2014-15) in Cincinnati, but Jones also fills two essential needs as the Broncos approach their Sept. 9 regular season home opener: Depth at cornerback and another option for punt returns.
“He solves two issues as one body,” Joseph said.
The Broncos’ cornerback pecking order is clear: Chris Harris, Bradley Roby and Tramaine Brock. Uncertainty down the depth chart, including the still-developing play of third-round NFL draft picks Brendan Langely (2017) and Isaac Yiadom (2018), caused Denver to act.
Jones, who turns 35 next month, described himself as the “last man on the post” inside the Broncos’ cornerbacks room after suffering a season-ending groin injury last December prior to being released by the Bengals this offseason. But Jones touts 16 career interceptions and more than 400 tackles.
“I’m playing a lot smarter now,” Jones said. “When I was young, I played with all athletic ability. Now, I pretty much know everything about the game. I can tell you from splits what routes we’re going to get. … That’s what’s keeping me playing right now.”
Jones’ experience returning punts dates back to his first two NFL seasons (2005-06) in Tennessee — when Jones brought
four back to the house. Joseph called him a “special returner” and that it would be “an easy role for him to play.” However, that might put a roster spot in jeopardy for Broncos’ punt return specialist Isaiah McKenzie, whose well-documented struggles holding on to the football could open the door for Jones.
“I love (returning punts) and I have a knack for it,” Jones said. “I’m one of those guys that doesn’t believe that the first guy can ever catch me. We’ll see when my number is called, and I promise you I’ll lead by example.”
The personal transgressions in Jones’ past might cause some in Broncos Country to take pause in general manager John Elway’s priorities. Jones has been arrested several times related to altercations with police, was sought in connection (but never charged) in relation to multiple shootings in or around late-night establishments and Jones received numerous league suspensions for violating its player conduct policies.
Joseph called Jones’ football character an “A-plus” dating back to his time as a Bengals team captain.
“Now, personal character, we all know the background,” Joseph said. “He would even acknowledge as a young guy he made some mistakes, but he’s paid for every mistake he’s made.”
Jones calls his relationship with Joseph similar to that of a big brother. He’ll likely need continued mentorship to keep a straight path outside football. But Jones, now a father of three, has found peace with this stage of football life. Over 12 seasons, he’s never won a playoff game. Jones wants that to change.
“We have a talented group of guys here in the backfield and all around the team,” Jones said. “I’m not here to try to take any shine, I promise you guys that. I’m here to help and lead in the best way I can.”
Although, teammates also don’t want Jones to extinguish all his competitive fire in between the whistles.
“He brings a lot of energy, a lot of attitude and toughness and that’s what I really like about it,” said defensive tackle Domata Peko, who played with Jones in Cincinnati from 2010-2016. “He’s someone that, on Sunday, you want him on your team.”