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Broncos' Jones Agrees To $34M


Offensive tackle Tony Jones and the Denver Broncos have finalized terms on a seven-year contract extension worth $34.5 million.

"I'm very thrilled," Jones told the Rocky Mountain News on Saturday. "I'm glad to finish my career there, glad the organization put its trust in me to give me that kind of deal."

Jones' future with the Broncos was uncertain as the franchise wrestles with the salary cap. Shannon Sharpe signed with Baltimore last week after failing to reach an agreement with Denver, while defensive ends Neil Smith and Alfred Williams were cut.

Jones was due a $1.5 million roster bonus last week as part of his old contract, which was in its last year. The new agreement will give the Broncos some room under the salary cap, and Jones will get a signing bonus spread over the length of the contract.

"I helped their cap situation. They gave me the money I wanted," Jones said. "It puts me right up there with the other top left tackles in the league and I feel I'm one of the best."

Jones, 33, was acquired from Baltimore in 1997. He is entering his 13th year in the NFL.

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