Just A Bulldog Minute: Chris Jones And His Future After The Super Bowl
With the biggest NFL game of the year being only eight days away, franchise owners are starting look at future free agents for next season. One player whose future is undetermined is former Mississippi State defensive tackle Chris Jones.
As a strong defender for the Chiefs, this second round pick served as a machine for Kansas City since 2016. However, with his contract extension ending this season, the Super Bowl LVII may be his last game with the franchise.
Jones has the second-most career sacks in the NFL amongst defensive tackles since entering the league, totaling 65 sacks. Jones also recorded the fifth-most sacks in franchise history since sacks became an official stat in 1982.
During Week 11 in 2021, Jones reached a career high of single-game sacks racking up 3.5 on another former MSU player Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott.
Last year, Jones signed a one-year deal with Kansas City for a $19.5 million contract including $18.4 million guaranteed. However, with his contract ending this season, there are three routes that the chiefs could take with Jones.
The team could let Jones free agent. Jones will reach his age-30 season and has the ability to find one more contract elsewhere.
If Jones is signed elsewhere, the Chiefs would at least get a remunerative third-round pick in the 2025 draft. Or, if Kansas City sees how the market values this defender, could take Jones back and set a draft compensation floor.
The Chiefs also have the option of tagging and controlling Jones for 2024. The new deal would cost the Chiefs $30.6 million, which would leave the Chiefs to decide if Jones is worth the investment.
The third option for Jones is a classic ‘tag-and-trade.’ The Chiefs would have to have that $30.6 million in cap space available for Jones’ tag until he is traded. However, if no other team offers, the Chiefs would have to be willing to tag jones for that much.
