The Kansas City Chiefs are reloading for the 2024 NFL season. It sounds like they’re preparing to offer star defensive end Chris Jones a heck of a lot of money.
The Chiefs plan to use the franchise tag on defensive back L’Jarius Sneed, per reports on Tuesday. Assuming those reports come to fruition, it means there’s room to make a move for Jones.
The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported the developments on Tuesday.
“The Chiefs have, in fact, let L’Jarius Sneed know the franchise tag is on the table, but they are still hoping to work on a long-term deal,” Russini said. “As for a new contract for Chris Jones? I’m told the Chiefs are focused on getting it done.”
The Chiefs have in fact let L’Jarius Sneed know the franchise tag is on the table but they are still hoping to work on a long term deal. As for a new contract for Chris Jones? I’m told the Chiefs are focused on getting it done.
Still some time.— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) February 27, 2024
Jones has emerged as one of the NFL’s best interior linemen over the past few seasons. The five-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro has been remarkably good for the Chiefs since he joined the team. Over the past few seasons, he’s simply gone on a tear. He’s recorded 27 sacks the last two seasons, including 15.5 in 2022. He also hit 15.5 sacks during the 2018 season. In all, Jones has 75.5 career sacks in his first eight seasons.
Through his first four seasons, former defensive end Neil Smith, who starred with the Chiefs in his heyday in the ’90s as an interior lineman, recorded 79.5 sacks through his first eight seasons.
It’s probably imperative that the Chiefs re-sign Jones, as he’s one of their biggest impact players on defense. But it sounds like it might just be a formality.
