The Kansas City Chiefs have finally signed first-round rookie Peter Woods, with the defensive lineman signing a four-year deal worth $17.9 million. It was a great selection for the Chiefs and one that is going to have obvious fallout for Chris Jones. The star defender is coming off an underwhelming 2026 season, offering 7.0 sacks, with most of this production coming well after Kansas City had been eliminated from playoff contention.
On top of the lesser production, Jones made a handful of notable mistakes, including letting Justin Herbert and Trevor Lawrence both escape to make game-winning plays. It was a rare off-season for a player on a legendary career path that Woods can help reset after two years of lesser production. Much of the regression can be pointed to a lack of defensive line depth, with Woods having a great chance of changing this trend and helping turn the clock back for Jones.
When the KC defensive line is anywhere close to capable, you can expect double-digit sacks and consistent game-winning plays from Jones. Having Woods now officially signed and ready to step into the starting lineup makes it clear that the Chiefs are giving Jones a great chance to return to this version of himself if Kansas City gets the expected production from the rookie.
Peter Woods giving Chiefs a chance to get the most from Chris Jones
It isn't just Woods, but free agent signing Khyiris Tonga with the Chiefs, making the team's focus on defensive line improvement incredibly clear. These two additions serve to hand the Chiefs the highest defensive line upside the roster has had over the last two seasons. It is worth noting that when this level of talent was last rostered, Jones offered 10.5 sacks a year after offering an elite 15.5 sacks, dominating from the inside.
What makes Woods especially impactful is the rest it will provide for Jones, with Tonga offering a solid lineup even without the star. Keeping Jones rested while having viable help on the inside when he is on the field is more than enough reason to believe the Chiefs are going to get the absolute best version of him, as he is firmly at the tail end of his prime.
This is especially important as Kansas City works to adjust to a new secondary after losing a number of pieces in the offseason. Having Jones at the peak of his powers would be a great recipe to buy Steve Spagnuolo a bit of time to adjust to the new pieces and help Kansas City put its dynasty back on track.
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