Why Chiefs All-Pro defender will break promise to fans this offseason

Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones is set to become a free agent in the coming weeks. But at Kansas City's Super Bowl parade, the All-Pro promised fans that he wasn't planning to go anywhere else.

"I need three of those rings baby," Jones said. "We ain't done yet. We ain't done yet. Kansas City, we will be back here next year. And for those who want Chris Jones gone, I ain't going nowhere, baby! Woo! I wanna be here this year, next year and the year after."

It was quite the statement for a player who is viewed by many to be the top upcoming free agent. But here is why Jones will break his promise this offseason.

Unhappy agent

Following Jones' comments to fans last week, his agent took to social media, begging someone to take away his player's drink.

"Cut them bartenders off," Michael J. Katz posted on X. "Too much."

Katz seems to believe Jones' optimism to return to the Chiefs next season was being influenced by his drink. And he knows Jones will likely have to take a big hometown discount if he wants to stay in Kansas City.

Unlikely tag candidate

Due to Jones' 2023 cap number, his projected franchise tag would be $32 million instead of the regular $19.7M, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. That is quite a steep number for a player who primarily plays on the interior of the defensive line.

As a result, Schefter seems to believe Jones is "an unlikely tag candidate," meaning the two sides will need to engage in contract talks once again. And that didn't go smoothly the last time as Jones sat out the first week of the 2023 season.

Cap space

The Chiefs only have about $28.45 million in cap space heading into 2024, per PFF. With several other key free agents, such as CB L'Jarius Sneed, LB Willie Gay Jr. and left tackle Donovan Smith, they are likely to lose some of them.

Jones, who is coming off back-to-back seasons with double-digit sacks, should have the biggest deal out of all of them. Joining a team with a quarterback still on his rookie deal makes much more sense for Jones' situation.