KC Chiefs who may have played final game for team in Super Bowl LIV

Chris Jones

Much like Colquitt, it’s sad to think of star defensive lineman, Chris Jones, not being on this roster anymore. Jones was a second-round pick of John Dorsey in 2016 and has been building an impressive career since.

Jones made the PFWA All-Rookie team in 2016, was an All-Pro in 2018, and became a Pro Bowler and Super Bowl winner in 2019. This all adds up to an armored truck getting loaded up to pay Jones’ next contract.

There’s no doubt that Jones is worthy to command a gigantic salary. The big question is, though, whether or not Kansas City can afford that contract. This question wouldn’t be looming if they didn’t have the Patrick Mahomes to pay within the next few years. It’s great to have such incredible talent wearing the red and gold, but paying all that talent does become a legitimate issue.

It does sound like Jones wants to stay in Kansas City and the feeling is mutual from the organization.

The Chiefs have likely been working to retain Jones long before now, but there’s the unfortunate reality that an agreement cannot always be reached. In that case, the Chiefs could look to franchise tag him and then potentially work to trade him. Loading up with draft picks could be the most enticing reason to trade Jones.

While it might be a stretch to find the perfect suitor in trade, it’d be incredible if the Chiefs could get a draft haul high enough to pick a player like Auburn defensive lineman, Derrick Brown. The freakish athlete would be a great young replacement for Jones and would save a ton of money in the process.

While it’s not always about money, if the Chiefs want to be competitive for the prime years of Mahomes, they may have to make tough decisions right now. Not retaining Jones would be tougher, but might be even tougher if they do.