In the aftermath of Super LIV, the Kansa City Chiefs will be tasked with creating a roster to defend their Super Bowl title. With that in mind, one question is burning in every fan throughout the Chiefs Kingdom. Will star defensive tackle Chris Jones be back with the Chiefs in 2020?
Jones is a pending free agent and is set to command a large contract. Staying in Kansas City has always been the plan according to Jones. He knows the fans see the passion that he plays with and the passion that he has for Kansas City. At the same time, he recognizes the business side of things doesn’t always align.
“[Staying in Kansas City has] always been the plan,” Jones said leading up to the Super Bowl. “I try not to think about it because you know the business side of it. That’s why I don’t really talk about it. I don’t really think about it. I just focus on the season and I let my agent handle that.”
Jones, of course, changed his tune a bit in the locker room after the Super Bowl victory. If Brett Veach had a contract prepared at that moment, Jones might have signed on the dotted line.
“I want to be in Kansas City forever,” Jones exclaimed after the Super Bowl win. “I know I don’t talk about this… but I want to be in Kansas City forever and ever. We’re going to build an (expletive) dynasty in Kansas City, man. We’re like the Golden State Warriors. We’re going for a back to back.”
So what will happen with Kansas City and Jones? Some of the options on the table include:
- A long term contract extension
- Franchise tag
- Tag and trade
- Let him walk in free agency
Right now, some are projecting that Jones could land an average salary somewhere between Fletcher Cox and Aaron Donald. That’d put him at around a $20 million average salary annually. That number would almost certainly price out the Chiefs with a mega-extension for QB Patrick Mahomes on the way.
The franchise tag would be a much more appealing option to Kansas City, with the number for defensive tackles being projected at $15.5 million. If Jones is true to his word and wants to remain in Kansas City it’s possible that he signs the franchise tag. On the other hand, if he can truly earn $20 million or more on the free-agent market, it’d be unwise from a business perspective to leave that money on the table.
You can basically rule out Jones walking in free agency because the Chiefs don’t want to see him in the AFC. He’s already been linked to the Colts because of former Chiefs front-office executive Chris Ballard. Instead, the tag and trade scenario would be the option here. That way the Chiefs can get ample return for Jones and ensure he goes to a team in the NFC. Look for teams such as the Buccaneers, Cowboys, Seahawks and Cardinals to reach out if this possibility becomes a reality. Those teams have ample cap space and need at the interior defensive line positions.
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