The Kansas City Chiefs face off against the Miami Dolphins this weekend, and superstar defensive tackle Chris Jones is feeling notably sentimental. Originally selected in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft, Jones has turned into one of the best pass rushers in the game, recording a staggering 75.5 sacks since entering the league and earning a trip to the Pro Bowl in each of the past five seasons, as well as First-Team All-Pro honors in 2022.
As of this posting, Chris Jones has always called Kansas City his NFL home. A true homegrown talent, Jones played a big role in both of the Chiefs recent Super Bowl victories but, unfortunately, nothing lasts forever.
Chris Jones held out for a portion of the offseason while seeking a new contract. While he didn’t get the long-term deal he desired, he ended up getting a one-year raise. The defensive tackle is set to hit free agency, and he’s well aware that his Chiefs tenure might be coming to an end.
“It could be my last game at Arrowhead. Who knows?”
CHRIS JONES GETS HIS BONUS! The whole @Chiefs sideline was HYPED for him.
: #KCvsLAC on CBS
: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/X0vcyHUoyR pic.twitter.com/lrapGgskaZ
— NFL (@NFL) January 7, 2024
Chiefs Chris Jones Hints At Free Agent Departure, Top Team Fits
Free agency is still months away, and there is a chance that Chris Jones and the Chiefs agree to a long-term deal. However, the defensive tackle is entering his age-30 season, and Kansas City will probably prioritize investing in the offense during the offseason.
Travis Kelce is not getting any younger, and the 2023 season proved that Patrick Mahomes cannot do it all by himself. This team needs one or two more good receivers to complement Rashee Rice, and it wouldn’t hurt them to invest some money in a decent tight end. The defense is in good shape, so there might not be enough money left over for Chris Jones, especially since all signs indicate that he’s not interested in taking a hometown discount.
Chris Jones is a great player, but with the salary cap, no team can keep all of their great players indefinitely. There is a very real chance Jones leaves for a bigger paycheck, and these teams could be the ones handing out the money.
Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders have a league-leading $86.9 million in cap space, and they’ll need every penny if they want to fix their terrible defense. After trading away Chase Young and Montez Sweat, the team does not have anyone capable of getting after the quarterback. Chris Jones would immediately fill that void, and he’d probably love an opportunity to play on an up-and-coming team led by either Caleb Williams or Drake Maye.
Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears have an abundance of cap space and draft picks this offseason, and if they use even half of their resources optimally, they’ll be one of the most improved teams in the league. While they already have a few solid edge rushers, there is no such thing as too many guys capable of blowing up the pocket. Chris Jones is a match made in heaven for this defense, and Chicago can afford to use some of their $62 million in cap space to bring him aboard.
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers need to fix just about every position on the roster. While the offense should be their top priority, it’s worth noting that the Panthers finished the season with the fewest sacks in the league. The team already has a great Pro-Bowl caliber interior lineman in Derrick Brown, and pairing him with Chris Jones would give Carolina the most dominant defensive tackle duo in football.
Houston Texans
The Houston Texans are building something special. C.J. Stroud looks like the NFL’s next great star, the offense has plenty of young playmakers, and Will Anderson is playing up to his draft billing. The foundation for success is in place, now it’s time for Houston to use their $74.8 million in cap space to build a true Super Bowl contender. The idea of Chris Jones and Will Anderson on the same defensive line should give opposing quarterbacks nightmares, and this combination should be enough to power Houston to a divisional crown all by itself.
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints lost a lot of defensive line talent during the 2023 offseason, and they never truly found any adequate replacements. Bryan Bresee and Isaiah Foskey both left something to be desired and while it’s far too early to give up on either of them, the Saints should bring in a proven veteran like Chris Jones. With any other team, there’d be no way for this to happen, as New Orleans is currently $75.5 million over the salary cap. However, the Saints are the best in the league at finding ways to create cap space – if they want Jones, they’ll find a way to make it happen.
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