Could the Chiefs Trade Chris Jones? Why Kansas City Faces a Franchise-Defining Offseason
For the first time in over a decade, the Kansas City Chiefs are heading into the offseason without a playoff appearance to build on. That alone is enough to signal change.
But the 2026 offseason feels different-not just a retooling, but possibly a reshaping of the roster. And at the center of that conversation?
Chris Jones.
Yes, that Chris Jones. The five-time Pro Bowler.
The defensive anchor. The pass-rushing force who’s been a staple of Kansas City’s recent dominance.
But as the Chiefs stare down a roster that suddenly has more holes than answers, even a cornerstone like Jones isn’t off-limits.
Let’s break down why a trade involving Jones, once unthinkable, is now at least plausible-and maybe even logical.
Defensive Line in Need of a Jolt
Start with the basics: Kansas City’s pass rush didn’t get the job done in 2025. The Chiefs finished with just 35 sacks, tied for 22nd in the league. That’s not just a dip in production-it’s a red flag for a team that’s long relied on pressure to fuel its defensive identity.
Too often, the Chiefs struggled to generate heat with just four rushers, which put added stress on the back end of the defense. And while the defensive line has had depth issues for a few seasons, this past year made it clear: the group needs more than tweaks. It needs a shake-up.
That’s where Jones comes in. Not because he’s the problem-but because he might be the piece that unlocks a solution.
Remember the Tyreek Hill Trade?
This wouldn’t be the first time Kansas City made a bold move with a star player. Back in 2022, the Chiefs shocked the league by trading Tyreek Hill. The move was met with skepticism, but it gave Kansas City the flexibility to reload, and they ended up hoisting another Lombardi Trophy not long after.
The situations aren’t identical-Hill was seeking a new contract, while Jones is already signed through 2028-but the philosophy could be the same. If the Chiefs believe they can’t plug all their roster holes with their current assets, moving a high-priced veteran might be the only way to do it.
Age and Production: A Balancing Act
Jones will be 32 when training camp kicks off this summer. That’s not ancient by NFL standards, but it’s a critical age for a defensive lineman who’s built his game on explosiveness and power.
After racking up 10.5 sacks in 2023, Jones has totaled just 12 sacks over the last two seasons combined. That’s 32 games of solid, but not dominant, production. And in the playoffs-where he’s often elevated his game-he’s managed just one sack across his last two postseason runs.
Still, it’s not like Jones has disappeared. In fact, he continues to be one of the most disruptive interior linemen in the league.
In 2025, Pro Football Focus credited him with the third-most pressures among defensive tackles. A year earlier, he ranked second in pressures and hits, and first in hurries.
The guy still gets after quarterbacks.
But there’s nuance here. Jones has always been a bit of a freelancer-willing to take risks to win reps.
That style, while effective in spurts, has started to backfire more often, especially against the run. Teams aren’t as hesitant to attack him straight up anymore, and that’s a shift the Chiefs can’t ignore.
The Cap Crunch Is Real
Kansas City’s front office, led by Brett Veach, has some tough math to do. The team needs to get under the salary cap, and with Patrick Mahomes’ annual restructure all but guaranteed, the next big contract to evaluate is Jones’.
Now, the Chiefs could choose to restructure Jones’ deal and keep him in the fold. But if they opt to trade him, the numbers are telling.
According to Over The Cap, a pre-June 1 trade would leave the Chiefs with $29.25 million in dead money, but save $15.6 million in cap space. A post-June 1 trade is even more favorable: $9.75 million in dead money, and a sizable $35.1 million in savings.
That kind of flexibility could go a long way in filling the many gaps on the roster-especially on defense, where nearly a third of the starting lineup could be in flux depending on free agency.
What’s the Return?
No, the Chiefs wouldn’t get a Tyreek Hill-level haul in return. Jones is older, and his contract is already in place.
But a Day 2 draft pick? That’s realistic.
And for a team that’s looking to retool with younger, cheaper talent, that pick could be valuable.
It’s also worth noting that Veach has never been one to build around aging veterans. He’s leaned into youth, especially on defense, and that strategy has paid off in recent years. If the Chiefs believe they can get younger and deeper by moving Jones, it might be a move they’re willing to make-even if it stings in the short term.
Could Jones Still Retire a Chief?
Absolutely. There’s still a path where the Chiefs keep Jones, restructure his deal, and run it back with a revamped supporting cast. His leadership and presence in the locker room are undeniable, and he’s been part of some of the biggest moments in franchise history.
But the idea of trading him isn’t just rumor mill fodder-it’s a real possibility in an offseason that’s shaping up to be one of the most pivotal in recent memory for Kansas City.
This is a team that’s always played the long game. And sometimes, playing the long game means making the tough call on a beloved star.