Green Bay Packers: 5 Top targets in 2020 NFL free agency
By Joe Kipp
3. Chris Jones, DT
Possibly the most coveted defensive free agent this offseason will be defensive tackle Chris Jones, who’s played all four seasons of his career so far with the Kansas City Chiefs. Drafted in the second round in 2016, Jones has racked up 33 sacks in his first four years in the NFL. He was named to the Pro Bowl in 2019, just one year removed from being named an AP Second-team All-Pro selection.
Standing at 6-6 and 310 pounds, there simply aren’t many players that offer Jones’ size and athletic ability. Jones can rush the passer, stop the run and eat up double teams. The Chiefs could elect to place the franchise tag on him, but it’s far more likely they re-sign him to a long-term contract.
Over The Cap estimates Jones will garner a four-year, $72 million contract with $52 million guaranteed; good for an average annual salary of $18 million. Conversely, Spotrac predicts Jones will receive a five-year, $96 million contract, good for an average annual salary of $19.2 million.
The Packers may not be able to afford Jones, but releasing a handful of cap casualties like tight end Jimmy Graham and guard Lane Taylor could help clear some cap space. Jones is the type of transformative talent that can shift the turn of the tide in a game at any moment.