Chris Jones’ contract creates big questions for Chiefs beyond 2022

The Conclusion

There are both positives and negatives to cutting Chris Jones, trading Chris Jones, and extending Chris Jones in March of 2023. While a cut is extremely unlikely, a trade is not, but an extension may be even more of a tall order with Donald’s new contract.

His potential new contract will likely be one of the most important, if not the most important, decisions that Brett Veach and the Chiefs have to make next offseason. But it is a problem for next offseason and the Chiefs need to focus on developing their current crop of young talent and, oh, winning Super Bowl LVII.

If it were up to me, barring any sudden significant drop-off in play in 2022, I would try and extend him at a contract with less guaranteed money than what I projected ($60 million). But at the same time, the Chiefs just traded Tyreek Hill because they didn’t want to give him a giant extension with a lot of guaranteed money, and Hill and Jones are around the same age.

If I had to pick the most likely scenario—a trade or extension—I will, unfortunately, have to pick the trade. However, I hope that I’m wrong and that the Chiefs and Jones can work out a contract that is fair for both sides. Then again, it’s possible that next March, as much as we don’t want it to be the case, will go down like Yogi Berra once said, “It’s like déjà vu all over again”.

What do you want the Chiefs to do with Chris Jones? What do you think will happen with Chris Jones in 2023? Feel free to let me know whether you agree or disagree either in the comment section or on Twitter (@StrozinskyLucas).