Chiefs Chris Jones Could Hit NFL Free Agency, Where Will He Go?

Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones is one of the biggest free agents on the market this year.

The five-time Pro Bowler just added a third Super Bowl ring to his impressive resume and is fresh off a season where he continued to be one of the best DTs in the league posting 10.5 sacks on the year.

Jones recorded an incredible 67 sacks over the past six seasons, anchoring a Chiefs defensive front that has helped make them a dynasty.

There's no doubt that Jones could command major money this offseason, but the question is where could the All-Pro tackle end up in 2024?

Will Chris Jones Return to Kansas City?

Just like Andy Reid... Just like Patrick Mahomes... And Just like Travis Kelce, Chris Jones has been a major cornerstone of what has made this team a dynasty.

Jones burst onto the scene, ascending as a major star during his third season for the Kansas City Chiefs and since then, he has been a big part of what the organization has done; helping them win Super Bowls while establishing himself as one of the best defensive tackles in the NFL.

There is a lot of interest on both sides as Jones wants to stay in Kansas City, according to Justin Churchill of A to Z Sports.

#Chiefs DT Chris Jones: “Three peat! I was just telling Clark Hunt they have to keep me around so we can keep this thing going. We have something special brewing.”
— Justin Churchill (@ChurchillAtoZ) February 12, 2024

"Three peat! I was just telling Clark Hunt they have to keep me around so we can keep this thing going. We have something special brewing."

Making it make sense from a financial standpoint is the trick. After cutting wide receiver Marques Valdes-Scantling, the Chiefs have $28.6 million in cap space this offseason. It's likely that several players on the Chiefs can walk via free agency.

If he opts to re-sign with KC, it is possible that he won't get the big-money contract that he could demand from other organizations. Yet, taking a team-friendly deal early with KC could lead to a massive extension down the line.

Could Chris Jones Join an Up and Coming Houston Texans Squad

The Houston Texans are on the rise thanks to the exciting young core led by quarterback C.J. Stroud and defensive end Will Anderson, who both shined during their rookie seasons.

The team took a giant leap, winning the AFC South with a 10-7 record and making it to the NFL Divisional Round Playoffs, ultimately falling to the Baltimore Ravens.

They could take another gigantic step by signing Chris Jones.

Pairing Jones next to the No.3 overall pick, Will Andrson Jr. is a no-brainer. He would not only add veteran experience but can help stabilize and provide another defensive anchor to take some heat off Anderson.

Furthermore, the Texans could lose some depth on their defensive line this offseason. Only four Texans had five or more sacks in 2023, and two are now set to become free agents this spring. There are chances that Sheldon Rankins and Johnthan Greenard may be on the way out and could lead to a big hole on their defense line.

Chris Jones to Detroit Lions Could put Motor City into Second Gear

After coming up short in the NFC Championship game last season, the Detroit Lions could be looking to make a move that could put them over the hump in the NFC; in hopes of making their first ever Super Bowl.

Chris Jones could be the answer that Detroit is looking for in helping fix their middling defensive woes.

Their d-line didn't see much success last season as Detroit were still amongst the bottom of the league in scoring defense.

The Lions D gave up 27 unanswered points against the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship game, ending their Super Bowl dreams last season.

By adding Jones, the Lions can pair him with the No.2 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Adian Hutchinson, who has become one of the league's best with 22 sacks in his first two seasons in Detroit.