Chris Jones emerged as one of the best defensive linemen in the game in 2018. He played all 16 games for the Kansas City Chiefs and recorded 15.5 sacks. There were talks of him holding out prior to the 2019 season because he wanted a contract extension.
Jones decided not to holdout and report to camp on time. This decision worked out well because he turned in another strong season and will play in the Super Bowl.
After 13 games in 2019, Jones recorded nine sacks. The Chiefs will have the option to franchise tag Jones for 2020, but it is becoming unlikely that they extend him. Kansas City is paying players like Frank Clark and Tyrann Mathieu top money at their positions.
If Jones does indeed hit the market, there will be teams lining up to sign him. These three teams could be first in line.
3. Green Bay Packers
Last offseason, the Green Bay Packers decided to spend heavily on the defensive side. They brought in Preston Smith, Za’Darius Smith, and Adrian Amos. Despite both Smith’s putting up big sack numbers, Green Bay’s defense still struggled.
The Packers ranked 23rd in rushing defense this season. That is no surprise after watching the San Francisco 49ers completely torch them on the ground in the NFC Championship Game. That had to leave a bad taste in the mouth of the organization. Seeing them go after Jones would not be a surprise.
2. Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans made a shocking run to the AFC Championship Game before running into a juggernaut that is Jones’ current team. The Titans need to focus on re-signing Derrick Henry and Ryan Tannehill first and foremost. After that, they can complete the trifecta by adding one of the top linemen.
Tennessee needs help on the defensive line. They could use edge rushers and someone in the middle to stuff the run and put pressure on the quarterback. Jones fits all the bills and could land on another AFC contender in 2020.
1. Indianapolis Colts
There is no doubt that the Colts have entered the offseason with the quarterback position on their mind. Jacoby Brissett started out the season strong but as it went on, it became clear that he is not the long-term answer. While Indianapolis figures out who will be under center, they could sneak up and sign Jones.
The Colts did a decent job of stopping the run last season. They allowed less than 100 yards per game on the ground. They struggled at getting to the quarterback. What could be better than adding a player who has had 24.5 sacks over the last two seasons? The Colts are not far off. If they add the right quarterback and sure up the defense, they could rebuild very quickly.
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