There is no denying that the Kansas City Chiefs have been profoundly disappointed in the lack of production from star pass rusher Chris Jones. Since being signed to a five-year $158 million deal, there has been a clear regression with pass-rushing production, which only leaves reason to wonder if the Chiefs might consider turning the page from a franchise legend. In the 26 games that Jones has played since getting paid, the lineman has managed only 8.0 sacks. In comparison, before getting paid in 2023, Jones had 10.5 sacks and 15.5 sacks in the 2022 season.
No longer is the veteran an affordable cap hit, with a $44 million expected cap hit in 2026 and $38 million in 2027, respectively. These numbers are provided via Over The Cap, with the defender only holding a $9 million dead cap hit in the event of a trade. Trading away Jones saves the Chiefs between $28 million-30 million each of the next three seasons.
It would hardly be the first time we've seen Kansas City walk this path with Tyreek Hill and L'Jarius Sneed. Both were star players and proven Super Bowl champions, yet the Chiefs didn't hesitate to make either move when they deemed the cost of either player to be higher than their current level of production.
Chiefs Must Entertain Offseason Possibility of Trading Away Franchise Legend Chris Jones
Only Andy Reid, Patrick Mahomes, and Travis Kelce are truly untouchable pieces when it comes to the current roster. While you have pieces like Rashee Rice and Josh Simmons in this category as well, it isn't as if there isn't any offer to be had; there isn't any team willing to offer a crazy enough package for the Chiefs to make a move. With this in mind, it is time for GM Brett Veach to consider the possibility of turning the page from Jones.
It has been well-covered how much the Chiefs have struggled in the defensive interior. It isn't just on the inside, either, with Kansas City's edge rushers underwhelming, leaving the Chiefs firmly in the bottom half of the league with only 22 sacks on the season. In a passing league, rushing the quarterback is everything, and Jones is being paid to put this part of the game on his shoulders.
The production hasn't lived up to this and opens the door to at least considering a trade to free up the needed cap space to rebuild the defensive line. Freeing up $28-30 million allows you either to bring in a handful of impact additions or to sign one edge rusher for top dollar. The fate of Trey Hendrickson remains in the air, and stealing one of the Bengals' key defenders would be an exciting offseason upgrade.
Regardless of how, it is clear that Kansas City needs to improve its pass rush, and this might mean parting ways with Jones. Another part of this is looking at potential return packages that the Chiefs might get in exchange for the Super Bowl champ. It isn't off the table; Kansas City could use Jones to get an impact player and a draft pick despite the contract.
Jones carries value based on his past production and the hope that a great year is still left in the tank. However, as was the case with Hill, it is better to part ways a season or two before its time and free up the needed cap space. The Chiefs made this move with Hill and won back-to-back Super Bowls, appearing in three straight. Trading Jones wouldn't be the end of the dynasty, but perhaps would provide the fuel it needs to continue.