{"id":146582,"date":"2023-09-14T13:30:09","date_gmt":"2023-09-14T17:30:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/?p=146582"},"modified":"2023-09-14T12:07:37","modified_gmt":"2023-09-14T16:07:37","slug":"chiefs-chris-jones-test-free-agency","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2023\/09\/14\/chiefs-chris-jones-test-free-agency\/","title":{"rendered":"Chiefs’ $25 Million Star ‘Likely’ to Test Free Agency Next Offseason"},"content":{"rendered":"

When the Kansas City Chiefs re-signed All-Pro defensive lineman<\/a> Chris Jones to a one-year contract worth up to $25 million, ending his holdout, they also retained the right to use the franchise tag on him next offseason making free agency a distinct possibility. But, according to ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler, that may not be in the cards for the Chiefs and the four-time Pro Bowler.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Chiefs likely won’t pay a franchise tag that could swing above $30 million for Jones due to his massive 2023 cap hit,\u201d Fowler wrote on September 13. \u201cHe’s set to become the top free agent<\/a> in March at age 29.\u201d<\/p>\n

[cta id=4013 type=cta]<\/span><\/p>\n

Chiefs ‘Likely’ to Let Chris Jones to Test Free Agency<\/h2>\n

Chris Jones Vital to Chiefs Defense<\/h3>\n

Jones recorded 15.5 sacks last season, tied for the third-most in the NFL. And his 65 sacks since 2016 are tied for the eighth-most in that span.<\/p>\n

He has also been critical to the Chiefs\u2019 defense\u2019s success.<\/p>\n

Per NFL Next Gen Stats, the Chiefs have led the league in pressure rate<\/a> with Jones on the field over the last five seasons. When he is off the field, they rank just 28th. They recorded just one sack \u2013 courtesy of Mike Danna \u2013 and four pressures on Lions quarterback Jared Goff in the season opener.<\/p>\n

The good news for the Chiefs is that Jones says his focus is more on the field than his bank account and being the highest-paid player at his position.<\/p>\n

This despite a belief that he wanted to rival Los Angeles Rams star Aaron Donald.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s always a goal,\u201d Jones said<\/a>, per Ron Kopp of Arrowhead Pride on September 13. \u201cBut important? No. Is it important for me to be the best at my position? Absolutely. I think that\u2019s where my mind is at \u2013 being the best. Not being the highest-paid.\u201d<\/p>\n

Still, Jones is set up to be paid handsomely when the time comes. Fowler believes the Chiefs were willing to make Jones the No. 2 highest-paid tackle. But the game between Donald and the rest of the position is still wide. Jones should have no shortage of suitors. And it will just take one of them to come in with a contract that may lure him away from Kansas City.<\/p>\n

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Chris Jones. One of the best in the game.@StoneColdJones<\/a> | @Chiefs<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/EWXnMroq2I<\/a><\/p>\n

— NFL (@NFL) January 31, 2023<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n