Kansas City Chiefs face a major dilemma this off-season, and there are no easy answers

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He’s been a defensive standout for the Kansas City Chiefs since entering the league, but is he worth keeping?

As is the case every year during free agency, there are big decisions upcoming, and the biggest in KC centers around Chris Jones.

He’s one of the many Chief defensive players that will be an unrestricted free agent on March 13.

Chris Jones’ numbers in 2023

Although he made the First-team All-Pro for a second successive campaign, 2023 was an off-year statistically for Chris Jones.

The 30-year-old had fewer tackles (30), sacks (10.5) and forced fumbles (0) in 2023 when compared to the previous season.

On the other hand, he led the Chiefs in quarterback hits (29) and tackles for a loss (13) while finishing tied with George Karlaftis for the most sacks on the team (10.5).

He also showed he can make a difference in the clutch, leading KC with six QB pressures in the Super Bowl.

His most important one came on a third-and-four to force the 49ers into a red-zone field goal during their eventual overtime victory.

Jones has made the Pro Bowl in each of the past five seasons.

Other players Kansas City want to re-sign

Chris Jones may be the biggest name on the Chiefs unrestricted free agents list, but there are others the club might want to hang onto.

L’Jarius Sneed didn’t get the individual accolades like Jones, but he showed he’s a premier cornerback.

Then there’s Mike Danna, Willie Gay, and Drue Tranquill, all solid contributors who helped them finish second in scoring defense this past season.

It’s unlikely they will all be on this roster come training camp, leaving Brett Veach with some big decisions.

Does he sacrifice a youngster to keep winning, or dump Jones in hopes that the others are enough to lead them to a three-peat?

Looking at the Chiefs options

By picking up Jones’ option last week, KC now hold the cards regarding his future.

Signing him to a long-term deal is on the table, and something the front office has publicly said is a priority.

There’s also a chance they place a franchise tag on him like a season ago.

That’s not an attractive financial option, though, with Jones’ projected franchise tag salary being over $30 million ($32.1 million).

The Chiefs currently have $22.5 million worth of cap space and tagging Jones could make him the first non-quarterback in NFL history to have a franchise tag above $30 million.

On the other hand, if Veach wants to get some reinforcements for Jones, franchise tagging him and then trading him is a possibility.

There are likely teams out there willing to part ways with several players to land Jones, so Veach may explore that option, especially considering how well that worked with Tyreek Hill.

Keep in mind the Chiefs weren’t willing to give Jones a long-term deal last season, and with lower numbers in 2023, would they have a change of heart?

It’s also possible the Chiefs franchise tag Sneed with the intention of trading him.

I don’t envy Veach’s position because from where I’m sitting, there are plenty of Pros and Cons to keep Jones and also dump him.