Chris Jones Alternatives: A Conversation

David Bell and Laddie Morse

David Bell:

Nate Taylor published an article on the stalemate between Chris Jones, and his agent Jason Katz… and Brett Veach and his staff (for the article see below for the link). I don’t know if the ArrowheadOne readership remembers what I wrote about CJ at the time he was drafted or not. A refresher is necessary. I had Jones as a must draft DT. Because the word was that Jones took play’s off, I watched several replays of CJ of his last collegiate season. – I commented at the time: “Stuff and Nonsense.” The Chiefs need to draft him!

After reading Nate’s article, I then picked up on a tweet by Adam Schefter [see far below] who indicated that Veach okayed Jones and his agent seeking a trade. That’s a tough nut to crack because I believe Jones is crucial to the Chief’s defense. Further, he is versatile enough that he can be moved outside, and his counterpart this year has a similar ability — Charles Omenihu. At the same time, last years rookie, George Karlaftis can fulfill a similar roll, inside or out. This, to me, raises concerns about CJ’s time in KC.

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Laddie Morse:

Ever since our own Josh Kingsley mentioned that Chris Jones might be dangled in a trade and that his situation reminded him of Tyreek Hill’s… I wanted to throw up. Not only do I think this situation is NOT like Tyreek Hill’s, but I in no way want to see CJ dealt to another team. Sure, many may have felt the same about Hill last year, but with CJ, and the position he plays, this is different. While I don’t like the idea of trading away Chris Jones, it may end up being necessary.

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David Bell:

Personally, I think to allow Jones to seek a trade is to let him and his agent establish what he would bring. The Chiefs could then top that offer. But of course, I thought the same thing about Tyreek HIll’s pursuing offers and Hill is gone (5 draft picks were the price). I have heard that Veach wants two round one draft picks for Jones. I am not sure there will be any takers. That’s a very interesting situation. Nate Taylor at the Athletic says:

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“On multiple occasions, Jones has said that he wants to play his entire career with the Chiefs. He is expected to be the Chiefs’ oldest defensive starter, a leader alongside [Justin] Reid and linebacker Nick Bolton. Veach and Reid used much of the offseason to continue building the Chiefs’ defense around Jones. One reason the Chiefs wanted to sign defensive end Charles Omenihu as their biggest free-agency acquisition for the unit was to pair him next to Jones for clear pass-rushing situations on third down.”

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Laddie Morse:

The signing of Charles Omenihu was a master stroke. However, unless he gets to play next to Chris Jones, that move doesn’t look so masterful after all. Also, Omenihu is in no way Chris Jones and should at no time be thought of as his replacement. With CJ, Omenihu, George Karlaftis, and now rookie FAU, the defensive line looks stronger than ever. Take away CJ and then that same line is battling to become the 2021 version of itself (a year when the d finished 29th in the league in sacks… a far cry from the #2 ranking they had in 2022).

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David Bell:

With CJ, Omenihu, Karlaftis and FAU – they have something. Sans CJ, it’s a real worry and a back step from 2022. I cannot see Veach letting CJ go in a trade, even getting 2 round 1 draft picks. With CJ, Omenihu, Karlaftis and FAU, we have the presence of fielding a top front four — and more. Sans CJ, things are far bleaker. Don’t get me wrong; I don’t want KC to get fleeced.Two round one draft picks would be superb! I want CJ to finish his career in the kingdom — my bottom line.

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Laddie Morse:

Chris Jones is essential to the defense and any success they (the defense) might have this coming season, and in the future as well. CJ’s agent who is bargaining for his deal with the Chiefs likely knows CJ’s value to the team and around the league. The Chiefs need to be strong up the middle and by that I mean… QB, OC, DT, ILB, and Safety. Without Chris Jones that strength goes away.

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David Bell:

If you take CJ out of the heart of Spagnuolo’s defense, you cut to the bone and marrow of the Front Four. That’s about all I can add in comment.. Again, I do not think this is how it ends up — at least I hope not!

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David Bell and Laddie Morse — ArrowheadOne

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