Chiefs DT Chris Jones
Getty
Chiefs DT Chris Jones is under fire for some underwhelming play this season.
The Kansas City Chiefs have already rebuilt a good portion of their defense.
Gone are cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson, safety Bryan Cook, linebacker Leo Chenal, as well as defensive linemen Charles Omenihu and Mike Danna. All of those players have made multiple starts for the Chiefs over the past several years.
However, Kansas City has replaced them with free agents like defensive lineman Khyiris Tonga, safety Alohi Gilman, and cornerback Kader Kohou. There’s still work to do, with adding a high upside pass rusher being the top priority. The Chiefs have a great piece already in place in star defensive lineman Chris Jones, but he needs some help.
DL Chris Jones Labeled as Kansas City Chiefs’ Most Overpaid Player
Chiefs DT Chris Jones
GettyChiefs DT Chris Jones
Brad Gagnon of Bleacher Report recently named every NFL team’s most overpaid player following the first wave of free agency. Here is why he chose Jones for Kansas City:
“The seven-time Pro Bowler is still a stellar pass-rusher, but he is also clearly declining at the age of 31. Jones’ approximate value total at Pro Football Reference has dropped significantly in back-to-back campaigns, and only five players in the league have higher cap numbers than his total of $44.9 million for 2026.”
In 2025 Jones recorded 29 total tackles, seven sacks, 32 quarterback pressures, and two passes defensed. While his production has taken a dip since he posted double-digit sack totals in 2022 and 2023, you can’t put the blame squarely on Jones.
He has had very little quality help to work with. Defensive end George Karlaftis’ sack total has declined each of the past two years, and he fails to make a significant impact too often. Omenihu and Danna were slowed down by injuries, which is why Kansas City was comfortable parting ways with them.
On the surface it may seem like Jones isn’t showing up much for long stretches, but when you dig deeper it’s easy to realize that isn’t the case. Per Pro Football Focus and ESPN, Jones has led the NFL in double-team rate over the past two years. When you face that many double-teams over the course of two seasons, it takes a toll.
How Can the Chiefs Continue to Bolster Their Defensive Line?
Chiefs DE George Karlaftis
GettyChiefs DE George Karlaftis
The acquisition of Tonga is a good start, but they need a lot more help, particularly at defensive end. The Chiefs will be banking on Karlaftis to get back to the form he displayed early in his career after signing him to a four-year contract extension last offseason. They will also lean on the development of Ashton Gillotte, who won the team’s Mack Lee Hill Rookie of the Year Award last season.
Kansas City will likely use multiple selections on defensive linemen during the 2026 NFL Draft. It could use the No. 9 overall pick on a top tier pass rusher who can start alongside Jones, Tonga, and Karlaftis right off the bat. The Chiefs could also still add a free agent veteran pass rusher to the mix, regardless if they use significant draft capitol at defensive line.