Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones has cemented himself as one of the greatest players in franchise history during his 10-year career. The seven-time Pro Bowler and six-time All-Pro is under contract for three more seasons, but this could be his last year as a Chief if he doesn’t restructure his deal or take a pay cut in 2027, according to Pete Sweeney of the Kansas City Star.
In March 2024, a few weeks after Jones won his third Super Bowl, he and the Chiefs came to terms on a massive extension worth $158.75MM over five years. Kansas City included a whopping $95MM in guaranteed money in the contract. The club has since restructured the deal once, having done so in 2025 to create cap space.
Jones will count a team-high $44.85MM against the Chiefs’ cap this season. The number is due to drop to $38.1MM in 2027, but that may still be too rich for the Chiefs’ blood. Barring another restructuring or a pay cut by then, designating Jones a post-June 1 release or trading him on or after that date would free up $28.35MM in breathing room. The Chiefs would also take on $19.5MM in dead money, which they would spread in equal $9.75MM amounts from 2027-28.
Unless his play falls off dramatically in his age-32 campaign this year, parting with Jones next offseason would cost the Chiefs one of their top players and the face of their defense. In a recent survey sent out by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, a collection of executives, coaches and scouts ranked the 6-foot-6, 310-pounder as the fourth-best defensive tackle in the game.
“He’s still a guy you have to game-plan for, but you don’t feel him as much as you used to,” an NFL coordinator said. “He’s been one of the best for a long time.”
Although Jones may no longer be at his absolute peak, the future Hall of Famer still recorded 25 QB hits, 12 tackles for loss and seven sacks over a full 17-game season in 2025. More impressively, Jones finished first among D-tackles in pass rush win rate. He also amassed the third-most pressures (63) at his position, per Pro Football Focus.
While Jones remained highly effective last season, the Chiefs may have prepared for his eventual departure in this year’s draft. They selected a potential heir apparent in first-rounder Peter Woods, the 29th overall pick. Woods will play a reserve role as a rookie, but he could take on a starting job in his second year if the Chiefs say goodbye to Jones.
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