The Kansas City Chiefs, though not displaying their usual dominance this season, secured a spot in the playoffs. They are set to host the Miami Dolphins in a Sunday night home game. In the unpredictable realm of NFL playoffs, any team has a chance, and the Chiefs might face an early exit against the Dolphins, who, despite dealing with injuries, boast key players on both sides of the field, setting the stage for a competitive matchup.
Despite the Chiefs’ reputation for offensive prowess, this season has seen their defense take the spotlight. Spearheaded by veteran DT Chris Jones, an elite secondary, and other impactful players, the defense has played a crucial role throughout the year. As they enter the playoffs, the Chiefs claim the second-best defense in the NFL, allowing only 289.8 yards per game and 32 touchdowns. The only team ahead of them is the Cleveland Browns, who allow fewer yards per game but have conceded more touchdowns.
Notably, the Chiefs excel in pass defense, applying pressure on opposing quarterbacks and relying on their formidable cornerbacks and safeties. Chris Jones, a cornerstone of the team, contributes significantly to the pass rush with 30 tackles and 10.5 sacks heading into the crucial matchup against the Dolphins. Having spent his entire career with the Chiefs since being drafted in 2016, Jones has consistently been a force on the defensive front.
Chris Jones has long been the face of the Chiefs’ defense, consistently delivering standout performances. This season marks the third time in his career that he has exceeded the 10-sack mark, with an impressive 15.5 sacks in both the previous two seasons. Remarkably, he has never recorded fewer than 6.5 sacks in any season, except for his rookie year in 2016 when he finished with 2.5.
NEWS: #Chiefs All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones says Saturday's game could be the last time he plays in KC.
“It could be my last game in Arrowhead. Who knows.”
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) January 9, 2024
Widely regarded as one of the top defensive tackles in the league, Chris Jones faces an uncertain future with his current contract set to expire after the 2023 season.
Chris Jones Knows Saturday Could Be His Last Game In Arrowhead Stadium With Kansas City Chiefs Future Uncertain
In an interview with KSHB news in Kansas City, Jones expressed his reluctance to dwell on the upcoming offseason, given the uncertainty surrounding his contract status during the Chiefs’ last offseason, marked by a holdout that extended into the regular season. Despite tying for the team lead with 10 1/2 sacks, the third-highest in his eight-year career, as the NFL postseason approaches, Jones is aware that the next game could potentially be his last with Kansas City.
Last Wednesday, as the Chiefs prepared to face the Miami Dolphins in the Super Wild Card Round, Jones remarked, “I try not to think about it. It could be my last game in Arrowhead. Who knows? But most importantly, we’ve got a game to play. We’re trying to make a deep run in these playoffs. If it is my last game, we’ve got to make it worthwhile.”
The Chiefs, having secured two of the last four Super Bowls and three AFC titles in that period, acknowledge Jones as a crucial component of their championship success. However, with his contract set to void after the 2023 season and the team failing to reach a long-term extension last summer, a decision looms for Kansas City.
In 2024, utilizing the franchise tag to retain Jones may prove overly expensive, with a fully guaranteed salary-cap hit exceeding $32 million. Four years ago, the franchise tag was employed to keep Jones, and a four-year deal worth approximately $80 million was negotiated in 2020 after a contract impasse. However, the Chiefs and Jones now face the prospect of free agency once more.
PFF notes the rarity of a player of Jones’ caliber reaching unrestricted free agency, emphasizing that Kansas City did not relinquish the right to franchise tag him for a second time in the recent contract adjustment. The potential cost of tagging Jones again would surpass $33 million, providing him with an opportunity to explore the open market for the first time in his career. PFF projects that the star could secure a four-year contract worth $120 million, with $80 million guaranteed.
As Sunday’s game approaches, there is a genuine possibility that it could mark Chris Jones’ final appearance in Arrowhead Stadium.