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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Sep 29, 2022; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (85) celebrates with wide receiver Tyler Boyd (83) after scoring a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Greene/Cincinnati Enquirer via USA TODAY NETWORK
Sep 29, 2022; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (85) celebrates with wide receiver Tyler Boyd (83) after scoring a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Greene/Cincinnati Enquirer via USA TODAY NETWORK /

Chiefs could play the waiting game with Bengals wide receivers

Excuse me? Yes, it’s true, both Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd will be free agents when the season is over.

While it’s unlikely that the Bengals would trade either player before the season, let alone to a rival like the Chiefs, Kansas City doesn’t necessarily have to use the $30 million freed up by Jones this coming year. If Veach is smart, he’ll hold onto it for the start of the next free-agent cycle, where he’ll have an opportunity to pick from the best available players. Does that sacrifice from this year’s product? Absolutely.

Nonetheless, Jones could choose to return and play on the franchise tag rather than sit out an entire season. If he does, then Kansas City has its pass rush intact with the knowledge that Jones is more than likely to leave next offseason. Veach can plan for his departure, and use the money elsewhere.

Both Higgins and Boyd would prefer to stay in Cincinnati, but a reckoning is coming for the Bengals in the form of Joe Burrow’s contract. Once the ink is dry, the Bengals won’t have nearly as much financial flexibility as in years past, and one of Burrow’s weapons could suffer an all-too-familiar fate. Burrow makes his weapons better, which means Higgins and Boyd are replaceable assets for Cincinnati.

With the Chiefs, they could arguably play for an even better QB. Who says no?