Why Kansas City Chiefs might look to trade Chris Jones this offseason
By John McCarty
Kansas City Chiefs fan favorite and emerging star Chris Jones may find himself with a new home next season. Here are a few reasons why that could happen.
Chris Jones has been a fan favorite since the day he was drafted and has been a productive defensive lineman for the Kansas City Chiefs. However, in the business of the National Football League, relationships are never truly built to last. With Jones’ contract expiring at the conclusion of the playoffs, fans will wonder what the future holds for the young defensive tackle.
Much like the Chiefs did with Dee Ford – trading him to San Francisco and acquiring of Frank Clark – the Chiefs are no strangers to the trade market of franchise tagged football players. After paying big money last offseason to both Clark and safety Tyrann Mathieu, is there money left to pay Jones?
Here are a few reasons why the KC Chiefs may look to move on from Chris Jones. Please understand that I’m not advocating for the Chiefs to move on from him, just simply exploring a few reasons why they may choose to go that route.
With Mahomes’ extension coming, and with Frank Clark’s deal already in the fold, do Chiefs want another massive contract?
For those unaware and not paying attention, Chris Jones is about to get paid. With his contract expiring after this season, Jones certainly appears to be one of the marquee names set for a new contract this spring; Certainly a new, big contract is headed to the defensive tackle.
How much exactly? Well, spotrac.com values Jones at $19.292 million per year on a new contact. That is a lot of money. Hitting the market, I would anticipate Jones being able to command a number greater than $20 million a year, perhaps even eclipsing the $20.8 million average that Clark has. Why does this matter?
In a league predicated on passing the football and a team with their own quarterback contract to resolve, can the Chiefs truly afford to be dropping two $100 million contracts on defensive linemen?
After the 2020 season, the Chiefs will need to make decisions on wide receiver Tyreek Hill and Mathieu, both of whom have their contracts expire after the 2021 season. Starting cornerback Charvarius Ward will be a restricted free agent after this season and an unrestricted free agent after the 2020 season.
If the Chiefs opt to not sign Jones, can they allocate those funds to other players? What other players?