Three bold predictions for the 2019 Chiefs season
By Byron Smith
3. Chris Jones Leaves Kansas City
Chris Jones showed up to training camp this offseason after a small holdout with something to prove: he deserves Aaron Donald or Frank Clark money.
It is crazy to think that the player who had the third most sacks in the NFL (behind J.J. Watt in second place by a half sack) feels he has to prove himself in his contract season, but it looks as if Jones may not be in the future plans for the Chiefs.
This season, he is not proving his worth to Kansas City but to teams around the league looking to pick up a defensive leader in the offseason.
The money has spoken in Kansas City as Brett Veach has committed his trust and dollars to a new set of defensive leaders. Defensive end Frank Clark received $20 million annually and safety Tyrann Mathieu received $14 million a year this offseason. Plus Kansas City will be needing a good cornerback, so money will be designated for that as well.
The problem is not that Kansas City does not want to keep Jones; rather, it’s the opposite. A defensive linemen who can disrupt the pocket and get to the quarterback like Jones is a dream player for any defense. Unfortunately it’s an issue or resources. Unless Jones is willing to take less money, there is not going to be enough for him to stay in Kansas City.
A departure of this size is not going to feel good for anyone, but it is important for fans to note very carefully what Jones did for the Kingdom. He laid the groundwork for a defense that will continue to grow on what he started, and he led a terrible defense to the brink of a Super Bowl. This season he will also help deliver a Super Bowl to the city.