Another season, another Super Bowl for Chris Jones.
Jones, 29, has been an integral part of the Kansas City Chiefs over their dynastic run, helping the team win three rings in five years. Now, he’s slated to hit unrestricted free agency for the first time in his career.
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Assuming the Chiefs don’t tag him for a massive $31 million cap hit, Jones will be the top free agent on the market. And, excluding a return to Kansas City (which he loudly proclaimed he prefers at the Super Bowl parade), here are the five top options for him.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars have limited cap space and a few notable names hitting free agency, including receiver Calvin Ridley and edge rusher Josh Allen. But should general manager Trent Baalke allow Allen to leave, perhaps he replaces his production with the interior rush of Jones.
Last season, Jacksonville ranked 25th in the NFL with 40 sacks. The Jaguars also have former Chiefs defensive coordinator Bob Sutton on their staff, with Sutton having coached Jones the first three seasons of his career.
The Jaguars should prioritize signing the younger Allen, but if the two sides don't get something done, there's reason to see Jones as a good fit in Duval County.
4. Detroit Lions
After collapsing in the NFC championship game, the Lions will be more motivated than ever. And this offseason, Detroit has an estimated $45 million in cap space.
While some of that money will be earmarked to pay Amon-Ra St. Brown and Aidan Hutchinson in the near future, Jones is an intriguing option here. Coach Dan Campbell loves to build along the lines, and the idea of having Hutchinson, Jones and Alim McNeill along the defensive front will be awfully enticing.
Additionally, John Dorsey worked as the Chiefs general manager when Jones was drafted in 2016 by Kansas City. He's now in Detroit's front office and could help work as a conduit between Jones and general manager Brad Holmes.
3. Houston Texans
We're going to spend much of the next few months talking about who can take down the Chiefs. While the Texans might be a year away considering their youth, Houston is a team to watch with DeMeco Ryans and C.J. Stroud leading the way.
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General manager Nick Caserio aced the draft last year and is now flush with cap space. He could make a big play to build up Ryans's defense, re-signing edge rusher Jonathan Greenard along with acquiring Jones. With Stroud and pass rusher Will Anderson Jr. on rookie deals, now is the time for Caserio to be aggressive and make a play.
2. Chicago Bears
The Bears should be ultra-aggressive this offseason. General manager Ryan Poles has roughly $67 million in projected space and a roster with needs on both sides of the line. Last season, they finished 31st in sacks and tied for 26th in pressure rate.
In that vein, Poles would be wise to target Jones, who he spent six years with at the Chiefs. Jones would be a massive upgrade inside for Chicago while helping to keep Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards clean at the second level. Finally, Jones would also bring experience to a very youthful group.
If the Bears land Caleb Williams, a top-flight rookie receiver, and Jones in the same offseason, the playoffs would be a distinct possibility in 2024.
1. Las Vegas Raiders
This would be the best thing the Raiders have done since the Reagan Administration.
For Las Vegas, the signing of Jones would be a three-fold win. First, the Raiders get him away from the Chiefs. Second, they pair him with Maxx Crosby, immediately giving them the best pass-rushing duo in the NFL. Third, they get a culture changer, something they desperately need with zero playoff wins since 2002.
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Armed with approximately $35 million in cap space this offseason, general manager Tom Telesco can afford Jones while drafting a quarterback to replace Jimmy Garoppolo. If he did nothing else, that would represent an excellent first few months on the job.
