If the Kansas City Chiefs fail to secure the services of standout defensive tackle Chris Jones before the onset of NFL free agency next month, odds from DraftKings Sportsbook suggest that the Chicago Bears are poised to emerge as the frontrunners in offering him a new football home in 2024.
While the Chiefs remain the top favorites (-225) to retain Jones, a five-time All-Pro, for the upcoming season, the Bears are positioned with the next-best odds (+425) and are leading the pack among potential suitors should Jones opt to explore other opportunities beyond Kansas City.
Jones boasts an impressive track record, averaging over 11 sacks per season over the past six years with the Chiefs, and recently earned his second consecutive first-team All-Pro selection.
Known for his disruptive presence as a three-technique defensive tackle, Jones could potentially fill a crucial role in Matt Eberflus’ defensive scheme, which the Bears have been striving to address as they head into the 2024 offseason.
While acquiring Jones would undoubtedly come at a significant cost, the Bears may find it justifiable given the prospect of securing a transformative centerpiece for their defensive line.
Pro Football Focus forecasts Jones to command a lucrative four-year, $120 million contract in 2024. Despite the financial implications, the Bears could have approximately $45 million in effective cap space by parting ways with certain veteran contracts.
Yet, the Bears must also weigh whether Jones, who turns 30 in July, aligns with the timeline of their roster reconstruction. General manager Ryan Poles has displayed a willingness to invest in veteran players whom he views as long-term assets, although the majority of Chicago’s highest-paid starters are aged 27 or younger.
While Eddie Jackson (31) and Cody Whitehair (31) represent exceptions, the Bears could potentially release both before the March 13 deadline.
The question remains whether Poles would make an exception for Jones, a player whom he was acquainted with during his tenure in Kansas City’s front office. However, it’s prudent to consider whether the potential risks associated with Jones’s age and contract demands would outweigh the benefits for the Bears.
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