Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Tyson Jackson (94) celebrates after a tackle in the first half against the Indianapolis Colts at Arrowhead Stadium. The Colts won 23-7. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Kansas City Chiefs 3-4 defensive end Tyson Jackson recorded 33 tackles and a career-high four sacks this past season, and he was simply a beast this past season on an elite defense. Although Mike DeVito and breakout star Dontari Poe were more impressive, Jackson had a great year in his own right, even if his accomplishments get overshadowed by the All-Pro-caliber season that Poe put together. Jackson is 27 and hitting the prime of his career, and he’s one of the league’s best run-stopping 3-4 ends. An impending free agent this offseason, it will be interesting to see how much money he can get, and it will be even more interesting to see if he ends up re-signing with the Chiefs.
Jackson told Sirius XM NFL Radio that he and the Chiefs have only recently started negotiations, but he hopes that they can make up for lost time by picking things up “in the next few days”.
I’m not sure how interested the Chiefs are in re-signing Jackson, but they would be wise to give the LSU product a competitive offer. He isn’t much of a pass rusher, but four sacks isn’t bad, and he certainly delivers the good in run defense. But the Chiefs also have plenty of talent on the defensive line, and they can’t afford to overpay for Jackson with big needs at wide receiver and free safety. They should make him a significant offer, but I’m also sure that there are a few other teams out there that can afford to- and should- make bigger offers to Jackson.