Chris Jones rumors: 5 best fits in NFL free agency
"He’s one of the league’s more talented players. Where could Kansas City Chiefs’ defensive tackle Chris Jones wind up when free agency opens on March 18?"
It has been a meteoric rise for a performer who was a second-round draft choice by the now-reigning Super Bowl champions. And via the staff at Pro Football Focus (subscription required), only five interior defenders graded out high in 2019 than Kansas City Chiefs’ standout Chris Jones.
And when it came to getting after opposing passers, only the Rams’ Aaron Donald earned a higher mark than the Chiefs’ talented performer. And when it comes to run support, Jones owns a 77.0 grade – a very respectable 19th in that crucial category according to PFF.
In other words, if given the opportunity, there will be plenty of buyers when it comes to Jones’ services. But will the Chiefs get a new deal done before March 18 or slap the franchise tag on the four-year performer. If the defensive standout does become an unrestricted free agent, here are five teams that would best suit his talents.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars
Some would say the Jacksonville Jaguars have had one of the better defenses in the league over the past three seasons. That may be true in terms of getting after the quarterback. And in 2017, a team bound for the AFC Championship Game was one of the most opportunistic in the league. But all of that aggressive play has resulted in the team being substandard against the run.
Dating back to ’17, Doug Marrone’s club has ranked 21st, 19th and 28th, respectively, in the league in rushing yards allowed per game the past three seasons.
Pairing Chris Jones with Calais Campbell on the Jaguars’ defensive front would be a huge plus and also make a pass rush that produced 47 sacks this past season even more potent. But his addition may also mean the end of four-year pro Yannick Ngakoue with the team. He’s produced an impressive 37.5 sacks and 14 forced fumbles in four seasons in Jacksonville but is slated to become a free agent and could be tagged before a trade.
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