Chicago Bears Eyeing Super Bowl Participant Chris Jones in Free Agency
The Chicago Bears are making moves to strengthen their roster as they hold the top pick in the NFL draft for the second consecutive year. With ample cap space at their disposal, the Bears have set their sights on All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones of the Kansas City Chiefs, according to Alex Shapiro of NBC Sports Chicago.
Jones has proven himself to be one of the premier defensive tackles in the league. His ability to disrupt the opposing team’s offense is unmatched, and pairing him with Montez Sweat would provide a significant boost to the Bears’ pass rush. This, in turn, would allow Gervon Dexter the opportunity to develop and excel as a second-wave lineman.
In the 2023 season, Jones recorded an impressive 10.5 sacks and 13 tackles for loss (TFL), earning him First-Team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors. His impact in the Super Bowl has also been noteworthy, with three batted balls at the line of scrimmage in the Chiefs’ victory over the San Francisco 49ers in 2020, five tackles in their subsequent loss to the Bucs, and three tackles in last year’s triumph. Notably, Jones forced a fumble in the Chiefs’ AFC Championship win over the Buffalo Bills this year.
Courtney Cronin of ESPN highlighted Jones as a key target for the Bears in a recent article. She emphasized the need for a disruptive 3-technique defensive tackle to elevate the Bears’ defense from good to elite. Alongside Montez Sweat, who solidified the edge rusher position during the season, Jones would complete the defense by providing a disruptive interior pass-rushing presence.
Jones’ consistent performance has earned him numerous accolades, including first-team All-Pro selections in the past two seasons. Over the last six campaigns, he has been recognized as a first- or second-team All-Pro in five of them. Additionally, Jones has been a Pro Bowler for the past five seasons.
The Bears’ pursuit of Chris Jones signifies their determination to bolster their roster and contend for a Super Bowl title. With their top draft pick and ample cap space, the Bears are poised to make a significant impact in free agency.
In a stunning move, defensive tackle Chris Jones of the Kansas City Chiefs is set to become a free agent in March. Known for his exceptional performance on the field, Jones is expected to demand a hefty price tag. Despite holding out for one game at the start of the 2023 season, Jones eventually secured a new contract with the Chiefs worth a whopping $19.5 million. Now, as he prepares to hit the open market, experts predict that Jones could command an annual salary of around $28.4 million over a three-year deal, totaling approximately $84.5 million.
While the cost may be steep, Jones has proven himself to be a reliable player throughout his impressive eight-year NFL career. Despite his recent holdout, he has only missed a mere eight games out of a possible 131 regular-season matchups for the Chiefs. This level of consistency and durability has undoubtedly contributed to his market value.
The Chicago Bears, in particular, may be interested in acquiring Jones. With an estimated salary cap space of $49.13 million for the upcoming 2024 season, the Bears have the financial means to make a competitive offer. However, it remains to be seen whether they are willing to meet Jones’ demands and secure his services.
As the clock ticks closer to free agency, all eyes will be on Jones and his future. Will he find a new home in Chicago or will another team swoop in with a more enticing offer? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain – Jones’ talent and consistency make him a highly sought-after commodity in the NFL.