This Kansas City Chiefs star defensive lineman, Chris Jones may say goodbye after the concluding Super Bowl this weekend. Jones is set for the free agency next month and there hasn’t been any signal of re-signing him on a new deal. His upcoming Super Bowl could be his last hoopla song on his way out to a new team for next season. Jones said he’s “living in the moment” and questions will set in after the season is officially over.
Jones reflects on the possibility of his last game with Kansas City: “I know there’s a possibility this could be my last game with the Chiefs. You just take it all in. I’ll let the offseason do its thing. I don’t really focus on it.”
This isn’t anything new for the Chiefs, though. They have faced financial decisions about key players during a great run of success. Tyreek Hill was traded in 2022 after he wasn’t considered a desirable contract to stay in Kansas City. Hill moved on to the Miami Dolphins where they gave him a better and lucrative deal.
Jones could be the next star to say goodbye to join a team that would give him a potential record-breaking contract. Kansas City will have to make some critical decisions in its finances to keep as many stars as possible. Chiefs general manager said that the defensive tackle is one of the “two keystone players” to the Chiefs’ success. It’s going to be a daunting task, but they’re ready to take on the challenge.
Chiefs general manager Brett Veach: Re-signing DL Chris Jones, CB L'Jarius Sneed "top of the list"https://t.co/9sDFwimQmQ pic.twitter.com/v15NcDOX9H
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) February 9, 2024
Kansas City Chiefs Star Defensive Lineman Chris Jones May Say Goodbye
The Last Dance
For now, the focus is on the Super Bowl. They’re looking to add another ring to their reign as Super Bowl Champions. Jones was a major contributor to a revamped defense that only allowed 41 points against highly-powered offenses in the playoffs. However, at the beginning, Jones held out for a new contract.
This doesn’t look good for the Chiefs who might wind up seeing him walk to a new team during this offseason. He missed training camp and the season opener this season due to his holdout. Later, they offered him an incentive-laden one-year deal. Now, the question is if they could do the same thing this offseason.
This could be unlikely as this could truly be the last dance for Jones part of a talented Kansas City team. He recorded 10 sacks on the season and earned himself a $1.25 million bonus against the Chargers where he achieved 10.5 sacks. His amount ties the lead for the most sacks on the team. It’s a wonder where he could land next with his
Where Could Jones End Up Next?
The Chiefs and Jones aren’t always in the same ballpark on striking a new deal. This will likely be the second time this offseason that Jones will want more money on his next contract. However, both sides agreed last offseason that he should be paid the second-highest interior defensive lineman. A historic franchise tag could be coming to keep Jones in Kansas City.
This could be the largest franchise tag ever for a non-quarterback in league history. It isn’t out of the question that the Chiefs have this option. This wouldn’t stop Jones from demanding his eventual right to a huge payday. However, this move would buy the Chiefs more time to figure out how they could pay their star defensive lineman.
It’ll be shocking if Jones takes a hometown discount to remain with the team. That’s unlikely as Los Angeles Chargers Joey Bosa is entering the same equation. Jones could demand the same contract that Aaron Donald is getting so that’s a daunting challenge.
