The Kansas City Chiefs reportedly want to tag outside linebacker Dee Ford and sign defensive end Chris Jones and wideout Tyreek Hill to long-term deals.
After a heart-racing, gut-wrenching season that left us purely awestruck with the electric performances of quarterback Patrick Mahomes and company, there are several free agents for the Kansas City Chiefs heading into the 2019 offseason. Two players expected to receive new deals from the team, however, aren’t even up for free agency just yet.
Per NFL reporter Ian Rapoport, wide receiver Tyreek Hill is expected to get a long term contract extension after the conclusion of the 2018 season. Hill, who has stepped up as the team’s top wideout has become a force throughout the season. So much so in fact, that he broke former Chiefs wide receiver Derrick Alexander‘s receiving yards record by a country mile, finishing the regular season with 1,479 receiving yards.
Hill’s speed and improved route running have made him one of the best wide receivers in the NFL. On Sunday morning, it was reported by Rapoport that Hill would be signing a long term deal with the Chiefs in the 2019 off-season. Hill, who looks to be the team’s top receiver for years to come, has established himself as one of Mahomes’ favorite targets.
From @gmfb Weekend: Among the #Chiefs key offseason priorities are locking up star WR Tyreek Hill and DE Chris Jones... Meanwhile, the franchise tag is very much on the table for pass-rusher Dee Ford. pic.twitter.com/hm0j0PlS7k
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 20, 2019
Another star player who looks to sign a hefty contract extension with the Chiefs is defensive end Chris Jones. The former 2016 second-round draft pick out of Mississippi State has become an elite force against the passing game and the run game. Jones’ massive 6’6″ frame complimented by a 24.5-inch vertical jump helps him knock down passes and frustrate opposing quarterbacks. Jones has also made himself a charismatic leader on the defense.
It was also reported that outside linebacker Dee Ford would be getting a franchise tag, which would guarantee his position as a Kansas City Chief throughout the 2019 season. Ford became one of the NFL’s best overall defenders in 2018 with a breakout season that made him the best overall edge defender in the NFL, per Pro Football Focus. The franchise tag will be costly for the Chiefs, but it also limits a long-term commitment that is still a concern for a player who was out for most of last season with a back injury.