Who will get the next contract extensions from the Chiefs?
By Jacob Milham
Defensive tackle Chris Jones
What to do with defensive tackle Chris Jones will be a major storyline this offseason. One course of action would be to extend Jones’ tenure in Kansas City.
A consensus top-three defensive tackle in the NFL, Jones is the anchor of Kansas City’s defense. Sure, he is not a perfect player, but he is an elite pass rusher and an above-average run defender. But, the clock is ticking on Jones’ time in Kansas City. His current contract expires in 2023. That is important not only because the Chiefs want to keep Jones around, but because they are unable to reduce his 2023 cap hit under the current deal.
Jones’ next contract will be a massive one, and Veach needs to consider paying him. His next deal could cost in excess of $30 million annually, as Rams defensive lineman Aaron Donald reset the market for dominant interior defenders. By trading away wide receiver Tyreek Hill this past offseason, Veach showed his willingness to let franchise greats go. Would he be willing to do that again? There are similarities. Jones could ask for historic money, and the Chiefs do not have the cap space currently.
If the Chiefs want to keep Jones past 2023 anyway, they would be wise to extend him rather than compete with other teams in free agency. An extension would at least give Veach and company more flexibility in 2023 while creating a cap nightmare in later years.