There's one good reason why the Kansas City Chiefs made the critical decision that they did to bring back defensive lineman Chris Jones on a five-year contract extension that included a whopping $95 million guaranteed. He is the engine to their entire defense.
That's what makes things look so uneasy for the Chiefs on Christmas Day as they prepare to take the field against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Chiefs are on the road this week with one goal in mind: to secure the top seed in the AFC. With it would come home-field advantage at Arrowhead Stadium for the entirety of the postseason as well as an important first-round bye, allowing K.C. to rest many players who are dealing with fatigue concerns and/or lingering injuries.
The problem is that the Steelers are a solid team who are well-coached with hopes of their own to close out the season with two consecutive wins that would secure their own home playoff game and a division title in the AFC North.
Back to Jones. The Chiefs are expected to be without Jones, per NFL reporter Ian Rapoport, due to a calf strain suffered in Week 16—just four days ago near the end of the team's win over the Houston Texans.
Jones should be in the running for Defensive Player of the Year, although the sack totals aren't sexy enough to get him there. Still, check this out from Marcus Mosher of the 33rd Team.
Leonard Williams and Chris Jones have the same odds to win DPOY right now. https://t.co/yrVbxdidEs
— Marcus Mosher (@Marcus_Mosher) December 23, 2024
Without Jones, the Chiefs pass rush could either look anemic or inspired to make up for his absence depending on how a young pass rushing corps adjusts without him. The Chiefs have kept mid-season pickup Joshua Uche on the bench for a few weeks but perhaps there's room to make something work with him given that Jones is out of the lineup.
It's also possible that Jones' freelancing style keeps others from being able to perform predictably since most players up front must adjust to the times that Jones wants to pick and choose his matchups. Maybe the Chiefs will see less of a drop-off if others like George Karlaftis and Charlesl Omenihu and Mike Danna are allowed to work in similar situations.
Then again, the loss of Jones is significant for the Chiefs. However, that further emphasizes the importance of getting him back for the postseason. Resting him for Week 17 allows the Chiefs to keep him on the bench until at least January 5.