Why Kansas City Chiefs might look to trade Chris Jones this offseason
By John McCarty
Keeping Chris Jones on franchise tag is not an option and would hurt the Chiefs organization moving forward.
I’m not saying allowing a player other than a specialist or running back play on a franchise tag is a terrible idea, but it’s a really terrible, dumb idea. An organization that does so is preparing and writing their own exit. Take for recent example, the Chiefs’ use of the franchise tag and ensuing contract for Eric Berry as a reason why it’s a terrible idea.
The franchise tag is a terrible move for an organization long-term. A player worthy of the franchise tag has either been worthy of an extension for a length of time or they have surprised you with their performance. Rarely, if ever, has there been a different circumstance.
If a player, and Jones fits into this category, has been worthy of an extension and you haven’t finalized a deal, once the tag is applied, the team loses just about all it’s leverage.
The team guarantees a one-year deal for a player and they they likely walk after that season for basically nothing (don’t waste my time with a compensatory pick). Imagine a team trading two top 60 draft picks for a potential single selection at the end of the third round. It’s a bad move.
If it’s a surprise, such as the Chiefs did with Dee Ford last season, they decide what they are willing to pay and if the player is looking for more, they’ll simply allow that player to find a new home. The Chiefs were right about Ford, who missed multiple games this season for his new team.
Understand this reality: If the Kansas City Chiefs put the franchise tag on Chris Jones this offseason, they will probably look to trade him.