The Kansas City Chiefs were not about to let Chris Jones walk out the door in free agency. The best player along a Super Bowl winning defensive line is sticking around in KC. The Chiefs will hit Chris Jones with the franchise tag. That secures his rights for at least one year. Early reports indicate a long term deal is also likely.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network was the first to report the news:
The tag number for Jones is $16.3 million. It’s a very reasonable amount for a player like this. Jones, 26, performed at a very high level in 2019. The former Mississippi State product recorded 9 sacks in just 13 games. Pretty, pretty good for a defensive tackle. Given the way things are going for KC, I would imagine all parties are eager to get a long term deal done.
More than anything, Jones fixed the Chiefs putrid run defense. Kansas City was on pace to have one of the worst run defenses ever. Once Jones got healthy and returned to action, those problems disintegrated. This is one of the most talented defensive players in the league. The Chiefs had to make this move.
The Chiefs will try to get an extension done with Mahomes who becomes eligible for one for the first time this offseason. He will only get more expensive so it’s in their best interest to get one done now. The Chiefs have work to do. Sammy Watkins either has to get cut or take a pay cut. This isn’t a team that has a ton of cap space, to begin with. Play around with it yourself. It won’t be easy to sign Jones and Mahomes long term.
