AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann
The Kansas City Chiefs aren’t expected to apply the franchise tag to defensive lineman Chris Jones, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Jones ended his holdout after agreeing to a new one-year contract with Kansas City. Schefter reported the deal doesn’t prohibit the Chiefs from using the franchise tag for the four-time Pro Bowler. Instead, the salary cap might make it unfeasible.
Opting for that route is projected to them $32 million for 2024, which would eat up the vast majority of their $47.1 million in effective cap space, per Over the Cap.
CBS Sports’ Joel Corry also noted how Jones’ projected tag would blow past the highest amount paid to a non-quarterback under the mechanism:
Joel Corry @corryjoel
The retained the right to use a franchise tag on Chris Jones. It will be $32,169,912. The biggest franchise tag ever placed on a non-QB was DeMarcus Lawrence for $20,571,600 in 2019. It was his 2nd straight tag. https://t.co/ny6eOVCQ6k
The 29-year-old isn’t the only notable Chiefs player due to hit the open market next spring.
Safety Mike Edwards, linebacker Drue Tranquill and offensive tackle Donovan Smith only signed one-year contracts. Linebacker Willie Gay Jr. and cornerback L’Jarius Sneed approaching the end of his rookie deal.
Then there are the long-term ramifications of paying Jones $20-plus and perhaps $30 million annually starting in 2024. Los Angeles Rams star Aaron Donald ($31.7 million) continues to command the biggest average salary for an interior lineman. The odds of Jones approaching that figure will seemingly climb now that he can theoretically start a bidding war between the Chiefs and rival suitors.
Ending Jones’ holdout was a top priority for Kansas City in its bid to repeat as the Super Bowl champion. It wasn’t entirely a coincidence that the Chiefs lost to the Detroit Lions in Week 1 and allowed 368 yards without their defensive cornerstone on the field.
Mina Kimes @minakimes
So, about those Chris Jones on-off splits everyone’s been sharing all summer… pic.twitter.com/1OmzoNtCb9
General manager Brett Veach may have only bought himself a momentary reprieve, though. Re-signing Jones won’t be any less expensive in 2024, and more teams could be entering the fray.
Beyond simply getting the 2022 All-Pro back now, coming to terms on an agreement also gives the front office a lot of time to weigh a number of possible replacements before the offseason kicks into gear.
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