ENGLEWOOD — D.J. Jones sent a cryptic message on social media on the eve of signing a Denver Broncos contract extension.

Jones posted March 9 on X: “If you don’t know your own value, somebody will tell you your value, and it’ll be less than you’re worth.”

The veteran defensive lineman agreed to a three-year extension valued at $39 million the following day. Jones discussed why he re-signed in Denver on Thursday after organized team activities at Broncos Park.

“It was everything,” Jones said. “I wanted to be back here, and so we made it happen quick.”

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Jones, 30, is a key piece of Denver’s interior run defense alongside Malcolm Roach. Jones finished second in the NFL in “run stop win rate” among defensive tackles last season, according to ESPN. Jones also recorded four quarterback hurries, three batted passes and one sack.

“It was important (to re-sign Jones),” coach Sean Payton said . “He’s important to what we do both in the run and the passing game. I consider him a leader and a really good football player.”

Jones initially signed in free agency with the Broncos in 2022  after spending five seasons with the 49ers. He’s been an integral part of a turnaround that’s culminated in Denver touting one of the NFL’s top-rated defenses in multiple categories.

“That’s special to say that it has gotten better over time,” Jones said. “It’s always been a defensive organization, but it feels great to be a part of a top-five unit now. … There are no egos in that (defensive line) room. We all want to come in here and work together to get better, make everyone better, get everyone paid and all that good stuff. There are no egos.”

Jones is eager to reunite with two former teammates in 2025. Linebacker Dre Greenlaw and safety Talanoa Hufanga played with Jones in San Francisco. Jones downplayed his role in landing both players in free agency — “What we did last year spoke volumes,” he said — while acknowledging their potential instant impact.

“They are game changers,” Jones said. “Just go back and watch the film. Don’t even watch highlights, just watch them play after play and you’ll see. (Hufanga) had a pick today. They’re special, both of them.”

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The Broncos are one step closer to the regular season on the tail end of OTAs. Jones has a simple formula for improvement under defensive coordinator Vance Joseph.

“I think we just hone in on the details,” Jones said. “Every day that we come out here, we just have to get one percent better every day. Make each other better. It’s nothing (Joseph) can do. I think it’s on us.”