The Kansas City Chiefs quickly pulled Chris Jones off the field on Saturday after just one snap, letting the veteran rest in preseason action and provide a telling sideline interview. Jones was asked about the waning pass rush results, and he had a telling response, offering that he was getting older, heading into year 11. However, Jones didn't stop there, clearly excited for the young pieces the franchise brought in, offering via Chiefs Blitz.
“I think we got some dogs in the room—Peter Woods, I love that guy. R Mason, I think he’s going to contribute a lot for us in the pass rush.”
Jones is doing two things here, with the first being pointing out the fact that he is aging. The defender isn't shying away from the lesser results, but is owning his age while hyping up the new pieces that have been plugged in around him. Part of this sideline discussion as well was around George Karlaftis providing more consistency from the edge and taking a level of pressure off Jones.
Father Time remains undefeated, and no matter how great Jones is and has been, he isn't getting any younger. As we are now well over a decade into his career, the Chiefs are in a different phase that demands more from the rest of the roster.
It can be compared to another KC star, with Travis Kelce finding himself in a similar situation. While Jones is expected to have more time left in the league, it is a fitting comparison that points to a Kansas City legend who can no longer bear the same level of expectations.
Chris Jones interview points to need for Kansas City's depth to deliver in 2026 season
The Chiefs have clearly recognized this fact and have brought in first-round pick Peter Woods as well as accomplished veteran Khyiris Tonga to the defensive line. Jones should have a far better ability to get consistent regular-season rest by sitting out reps, and Steve Spagnuolo still trusts that the unit on the field is capable of stopping the run and aiding the pass rush from the inside.
Jones offered 7.0 sacks last season after 5.0 in the 2024 season. This was on the heels of two straight years in double-digit campaigns, including 15.5 sacks in an epic 2022 season. This version of the defender still comes out at times, but there is no denying the slight regression Kansas City has watched over the last two years.
There are two pieces to this, with the first being the need for more pass-rushing talent around the veteran. Too much was being asked of Jones. The Chiefs lacked a pass rush that took away the ability for the opposing offense to focus all of its energy on stopping the interior lineman.
Second, age is a factor here, as Jones is 32 and has taken part in well over a regular season's worth of playoff games with 22 appearances. No question, the Chiefs need to give the star a more consistent level of rest and, more importantly, trust that the pieces on the field can shoulder the load and still get the job done.
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