Kansas City Chiefs star defensive tackle Chris Jones would be one of the most coveted players in this year's free-agent class, but there's a belief that he won't be going anywhere if the Chiefs pay him what he's worth.
On Sunday, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported, "The feeling is if Kansas City can reach the range of $27 million to $28 million per year, that should help close the deal." However, Fowler noted that the Chiefs "have work to do" because Jones "could probably surpass those numbers if he hits the market."
A contract worth $27-28 million annually would make Jones the second-highest-paid defensive tackle in the NFL behind only Los Angeles Rams star Aaron Donald, who is set to make $31.6 million in 2024.
Jones is the best player on a Kansas City defense that ranked second in the NFL with 289.8 yards allowed per game last season. He totaled 30 tackles and 10.5 sacks and made multiple key plays during the postseason to help the Chiefs win their second straight Super Bowl.
"As one AFC scout told me, he is the blue-chip player of the entire free-agent class, age be damned (he turns 30 this summer)," Fowler stated.
Fowler added that the Chiefs made it clear during the NFL combine this week that "they will do everything possible" to retain Jones this offseason. However, he pointed out that Kansas City "typically doesn't pay premium salaries to its own defensive players," and the extension that Jones received four years ago was a rarity.
The Chiefs are hoping to become the first team to win three Super Bowls in a row, so re-signing Jones should be their top priority this offseason to keep their defense performing at a high level.
