Suggestions earlier in the offseason concluded that the Kansas City Chiefs will look to trade star defensive lineman Chris Jones after the defending champs placed the dreaded franchise tag on him.
Jones has been in the midst of a contract stalemate with Kansas City since the start of last season. The expectation was that the team would look to get draft pick compensation for him, much like what we saw last offseason with Dee Ford.
Apparently, that’s not the case. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Kansas City is not looking to trade Jones and wants to keep him.
Jones, 25, has been among the best defensive linemen in the NFL over the past several seasons. He’s recorded 62 quarterback hits and 31 sacks since the start of the 2017 season.
Any long-term deal relating to Jones would likely near the $21 million the Indianapolis Colts are paying DeForest Buckner annually after his trade from the San Francisco 49ers.
Jones’ franchise tag value for the 2020 season is $16.13 million. Kansas City could lower that by extending him here soon.