Chiefs a potential landing spot for $17 million DT that ‘Likes to talk trash’

Chiefs a potential landing spot for $17 million DT that ‘Likes to talk trash’

With Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Charles Omenihu recovering from a torn ACL and Chris Jones’ future in Kansas City uncertain, the Chiefs need a starter along the defensive line for the 2024 season, particularly on the inside.

That’s why PFF’s Brad Spielberger identified the two-time defending Super Bowl champions, along with division rivals the Las Vegas Raiders, as potential landing spots for soon-to-be free agency defensive lineman Justin Jones.

“Kansas City has lost a number of depth pieces on the interior in recent years, and inside-outside threat Charles Omenihu could miss the first half of the 2024 season. Jones played against the Chiefs twice a year during his rookie deal and returns here in a specific position,” Spielberger said  on February 27.

“New Raiders general manager Tom Telesco drafted Jones to the Los Angeles Chargers, and while his consistency varies, he showed some promising signs in 2023. Antonio Pierce may also appreciate Jones’ willingness to sling trash before, during, and after games.

What to Know About Justin Jones.

Jones, 27, was a third-round pick of the Los Angeles Chargers in 2018. Jones has evolved into a starter in his six years in the NFL, spending four with the Chargers and two with the Chicago Bears. He plays on both running and passing downs.

Jones, who stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 309 pounds, is coming off a 2023 season with the Bears in which he recorded 36 total quarterback pressures (18 hurries, 13 hits, 5 sacks), 22 stops, and 3 batted passes in 17 regular season games, according to Pro Football Focus.

Jones was also Chicago’s nomination for the 2023 Walter Payton Man of the Year award.

Jones has made a total of $17.07 million in the NFL. His most recent agreement with the Bears was for two years and $12 million, which was inked in 2022.

Does Justin Jones Make Sense for the Chiefs?

Aside from Omenihu and Jones, 2018 third-round selection Derrick Nnadi, who played 46% of the team’s defensive snaps last season, and Tershawn Wharton, who played 37% of the team’s defensive snaps last season, are both due to hit free agency. As a result, the Chiefs have a significant deficit at defensive tackle, both as starters and depth.

As a result, general manager Brett Veach will most certainly consider a variety of possibilities for filling the defensive tackle position with skill, including signing Justin Jones.

If Chris Jones contracts with another team, acquiring Justin Jones will not fully address the vacuum left by the two-time All-Pro. However, no player added by Kansas City will cover Jones’ gap, so the Chiefs will have to settle for an interior defender who is at least serviceable on three downs. Justin Jones matches that profile. The team may also pick one or more players for that position.

Omenihi, Mike Pennel, Matt Dickerson, and Isaiah Buggs are presently listed as Kansas City’s defensive tackles for the 2024 season.

Users on X, formerly Twitter, shared their perspectives on the offseason from a Kansas City perspective.

“Every Chiefs offseason fills me with a mix of excitement & terror,” a user posted on Twitter. “Horrified by the idea of losing guys and the uncertainty of how we would replace them. But I’m also excited like a kid at Christmas for the gifts we’ll receive in the draft and free agency. Damn, I am glad we have Veach.

“Combing through FA lists & everyone is focused on WR as a big need, BUT, there’s some big problems with LT & DL that needs to be addressed,” one user remarked. “Chris Jones is obvious, but the defense is very thin, and we need another home run hitter when (Mike) Danna walks.” WR may go unresolved in FA.”

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