The All-Pro defensive tackle for the Chiefs, Chris Jones, is looking for a new contract. Chris Jones has been an absolute stud the last 3 years, totaling 32 sacks in that timeframe. He’s also been very durable in that stretch, missing a total of just 4 games in those 3 years. However, from Kansas City’s perspective, he’s 29 years old and will be well over 30 years old by the time any long-term contract ends. This makes the Chiefs hesitant to give him that long-term contract. In the event Jones and the Chiefs can’t strike a deal, there’s plenty of teams that would want to utilize his services. While every team could certainly use him, 3 teams in particular make perfect sense for arguably the best defensive tackle in the league.
- The Detroit Lions
The Lions had one of the best offenses in the league last year. QB Jared Goff and the offense showed vast improvement in the 2nd half of the season. However, their defense left much to be desired. They surrendered 28 points or more 9 times during the season. They were also dead last in yards allowed, giving up over 392 yards per game! Adding Chris Jones would do wonders for that defense. They have an argument to make as the best offense in the NFC North, and having a competent defense could put them over the top in 2023. Having a more dynamic pass rusher will help their secondary immensely.
2. The Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings were in a very similar situation as the Lions in 2022. They had one of the best offenses in the league and were constantly let down by their defense. They allowed the 2nd most yards per game, and gave up 25 or more points in 8 games. They were also 11-0 in one score games, which will be hard to repeat in 2023. Adding the All-Pro defensive tackle would take pressure off Kirk Cousins and that dynamic offense.
3. The Chicago Bears
The Bears have been hard at work giving franchise QB Justin Fields more weapons heading into the year. Last year, they acquired WR Chase Claypool from the Steelers. In the offseason, they signed free agent TE Robert Tonyan from the rival Packers. And of course, they trade the number 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft to the Panthers, which got them a slew of picks and wideout D.J. Moore. However, what could help Fields more than all of that is a better defense. The Bears give up the 4th most yards last year, at almost 380 yards per game. More importantly, they gave up 25 or more points 13 times! Even a slight improvement on defense would put the team in a better position to succeed. They also have the added benefit of the extra draft capital from their trade with the Panthers, which means they are in a better position to trade future picks if they wanted to.
It goes without saying that every team in the league, including the Chiefs, could really use Chris Jones. However, this does give the Chiefs leverage if they decided to seriously pursue a trade. In addition to these teams, plenty more teams who have dreams of hoisting the Lombardi Trophy would jump into the Chris Jones Sweepstakes.