One of the most shocking departures could occur after the 2026 season in the latest NFL rumors, where the Kansas City Chiefs could lose veteran DT Chris Jones. Pete Sweeney of The Kansas City Star projected that Jones could be playing his final season as a Chief if he isn’t willing to take a pay cut. Originally selected in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft, the former Mississippi State product cemented himself as one of the greatest players in NFL History. Other than QB Patrick Mahomes and TE Travis Kelce, no one should ever envision the defensive tackle leaving Kansas City, but it’s not impossible.
Following his third Super Bowl win, the veteran agreed to a historic five-year deal worth over $158M, including $95M guaranteed. It won’t be the first time that the Chiefs restructure his contract, as they’ve done so last offseason. After giving Mahomes a massive extension this year, the Chiefs are likely to reach out to the veteran defensive tackle to take another pay cut. Entering 32-years-old, the former seven-time Pro Bowler will no longer be the same player he once was, so it’s realistic for him to agree to the contract restructure.
NFL Rumors: Chiefs May Lose $38M Star in 2027
Is Chris Jones the Same?
You can argue both sides here. While he’s had an amazing career in Kansas City and could retire in the next two years, there’s a chance the Chiefs may be open to a departure. However, nobody should expect the defensive tackle to refuse another contract restructure. The good news is that if he’s willing to continue to be a team player, he won’t be playing anywhere else. At the same time, could he be looking for one last contract before retiring?
Of course, he would. The biggest question Kansas City will face after the 2026 season is: Are they ready to move on from the face of their franchise? It depends on how things play out over the next few months. The defensive tackle is still one of the best, but a recent survey by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler and a collection of scouts was put out on where Jones is ranked:
“He’s still a guy you have to game-plan for, but you don’t feel him as much as you used to,” an NFL coordinator said. “He’s been one of the best for a long time.”
So What?
If you read between the lines, “don’t feel him as much as you used to” means that Jones is no longer the same player he once was. If the Chiefs falter this upcoming season, now that’s where the team begins to ask themselves questions next offseason. Does Kansas City embrace the rebuild and allow the defensive tackle to seek a trade?
Kansas City took DT Peter Woods in this year’s draft, so it looks like they’re planning for when the time comes. After a disappointing offseason of losing most of their secondary group, including Trent McDuffie, Jaylen Watson and Bryan Cook, the Chiefs aren’t helping themselves much. A bold prediction came out earlier this month projecting the Chiefs could miss the postseason, and if that happens, prepare for a complete reset of this roster.
WR Rashee Rice is probably on his way out, too, in free agency next year, and with Travis Kelce marrying Taylor Swift, it could look like a completely different team next season. So would moving in a different direction make sense? Unfortunately, due to cap space, yes. However, the veteran defensive tackle could remain with the Chiefs and end his career as one of the most loyal athletes in today’s game.
