3 weapons Chiefs could sign with Chris Jones extension money

Nov 6, 2022; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones (95) celebrates with quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) after the win over the Tennessee Titans at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 6, 2022; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones (95) celebrates with quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) after the win over the Tennessee Titans at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /
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Chris Jones, Kansas City Chiefs
Chris Jones, Kansas City Chiefs. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images) /

The Kansas City Chiefs have yet to extend Chris Jones, but they should consider the following moves instead.

If Chris Jones chooses not to report to training camp, or worse yet sit out the season, he will forfeit the money earned via the franchise tag. Even worse, he would burn a bridge with the most successful organization in the sport.

Jones reportedly wants to be the second-richest player at his position, behind only Aaron Donald, per The Athletic.

"“Jones and the team — led by club owner Clark Hunt and general manager Brett Veach — are at a stalemate for now as Jones seeks an extension that would pay him an average annual salary of $30 million. “We love Chris,” Hunt said… “When he decides to report, we’ll welcome him.”"

Brett Veach only has so much money remaining to play with, and will have to get really creative to pay a player of Jones caliber. Rushing the passer is vital in the NFL these days, which makes it all the more likely that Veach eventually will give in to those demands.

But should he not, Kansas City has more they can do with that $30 million AAV.

Chiefs could sign Dalvin Cook with Chris Jones money

Dalvin Cook is likely to receive a contract north of $10 million on a short-term deal. While he’s holding out hope for a long-term commitment, given the state of the running back position, no team in their right mind would hand him that kind of dough.

Kansas City has an excellent emerging back in Isiah Pacheco. He should be their feature back, and has the speed to prove it. Creating a solid 1-2 with Pacheco and Cook would instantly make an already-impressive offense better. Just imagine the plays Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes could draw up with that kind of capital?