3 Best Landing Spots for Chris Jones

2mo

Undoubtedly, All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones is still flying high after winning his third Super Bowl with the Kansas City Chiefs.

However, as the NFL's free agency period approaches on March 13th, speculation around Jones' future in K.C. has already ramped up.

A season ago, Jones signed a one-year deal with an annual salary of $19.5 million. With that on-field agreement completed, could the game-wrecking defensive lineman find new surroundings in 2024?

As a five-time Pro Bowler, Jones will certainly receive myriad lucrative offers. Before the league year officially restarts, let us dive into the three possible landing spots for the Mississippi State Bulldogs alum.

All NFL odds via FanDuel Sportsbook.

Chris Jones Potential Landing Spots

Kansas City Chiefs

I would imagine that Patrick Mahomes, Andy Reid and the recently re-signed Steve Spagnuolo would love to keep Jones in Kansas City for the remainder of his career. The five-time All-Pro defensive tackle has only ever suited up professionally for the Chiefs. Of course, it has been a harmonious on-field relationship.

Jones has undergone eight seasons playing in KC. Ensuring a future spot in Canton, Jones has compiled 75.5 quarterback sacks throughout his NFL career. He's also forced a dozen fumbles through that span. Simply, Jones is the feature player to be accounted for by opposing offenses.

As a part of Jones' one-year contract signed in 2023, the Chiefs did have the option of franchise-tagging him. Still, that route is no longer available after Kansas City used their tag for cornerback L'Jarius Sneed on Tuesday. With that, Sneed will be due $19.8 million for the coming year. In a way, that maneuver reduces the Chiefs' flexibility for bringing back Jones.

Kansas City is well below average in terms of available cap space for 2024, per Spotrac, which will make it arduous to satisfy a player of Jones' scale. However, if winning more titles is Jones' utmost priority, then perhaps staying put is best. The Chiefs are listed with the second-shortest (+650) odds to win the Super Bowl next season, according to the NFL odds at FanDuel Sportsbook.

Las Vegas Raiders

In what would obviously be sacrilegious to Chiefs Kingdom, it is possible that Jones remains in the AFC West to join the archrival Las Vegas Raiders.

Raider Nation has notable needs within their defensive interior. Of course, Vegas -- a team with +1200 odds to win the AFC West -- is well aware of Jones' abilities as they have matched up with each other twice annually dating back to 2016. From there, Jones just won the most recent Super Bowl at Allegiant Stadium; perhaps he is interested in creating more happy memories in Vegas.

For the coming season, the Raiders show nearly $48 million in available cap space, per Spotrac. Additionally, owner Mark Davis elected to hire Antonio Pierce -- a former NFL linebacker -- as his head coach. With defense now as the emphasis in "Sin City," perhaps Pierce lobbies for a player of Jones' caliber. Alongside superstar Maxx Crosby, Jones could take his game to new levels and give Vegas a fierce D-Line.

Admittedly, it is tough to envision Jones suited in silver and black, but his style of play would absolutely resonate with a fanbase that prides themselves on grit.

Houston Texans

After producing one of the most impressive one-season turnarounds in recent memory, the Houston Texans are capable of making more noise in 2024. First-time head coach DeMeco Ryans -- another former NFL linebacker -- proved he is up to the challenge, guiding the Texans to a 10-7 record before earning a playoff victory on Wild Card Weekend.

Notably, Houston was powered behind two very special rookies. Quarterback C.J. Stroud and edge Will Anderson Jr. each won respective Rookie of the Year awards, which is only the fourth time in NFL history that offensive and defensive winners came from the same team. Certainly, it lays competitive frameworks for a desirable arrival scenario.

Jones would be a schematic fit in Ryans' 4-3 defense. This is a unit that went from allowing 24.7 PPG in 2022 to just 20.8 a year ago. Jones -- alongside Anderson and DE Jonathan Greenard -- would further propel that defensive improvement.

Working in Houston's favor, the Texans currently boast the fourth-most cap space in the NFL. That gives them expansive freedom to get creative when adding talent for 2024. Additionally, Jones can count on remaining a postseason contender in H-Town; the Texans are slight favorites in their division, installed at +190 odds to win the AFC South.

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The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author's advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.