Why the Chiefs should extend four-time Pro Bowler

The Chiefs must cross off one more item on their offseason to-do list: extend defensive tackle Chris Jones. Jones is entering the final year of his contract and reportedly wants an exorbitant, long-term deal.

"Such a deal could be a three- or four-year extension," wrote The Athletic's Nate Taylor. "Throughout the offseason, Jones has said he wants an extension that will make him at least the second-highest-paid player at his position."

Per OverTheCap, Tennessee's Jeffery Simmons is the league's second-highest-paid interior defensive lineman ($23.5M average per year) behind Los Angeles' Aaron Donald ($31.6M APY). A potential Jones extension could land within this range. The Chiefs are tight on cap space, with OTC noting that they have $1.9M in cap room, the fourth-lowest number in the league. Nonetheless, Jones is an essential defensive centerpiece they should retain.

The defensive lineman has made four Pro Bowls in seven seasons. Last season, he registered 15.5 sacks in 17 games, tied for fourth in the NFL and a career-high. He also finished third in Defensive Player of the Year voting behind Micah Parsons and Nick Bosa this past season.

Kansas City general manager Brett Veach has signaled the organization is prioritizing an extension for Jones.

"That's on the list of things to do," Veach said in his post-draft news conference. "Those things usually take a bit of time here, so we'll have a runway now until the start of training camp to hopefully get something done."

The Chiefs struck team-friendly extensions with stars, such as quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce, by stretching salaries throughout their deals.

Considering his loyalty, they could sign Jones to a similar deal. He recently tweeted, "I'm a Chief for life. I will not play for another franchise."

Extending the 28-year-old would be a massive win for Kansas City and help it win more Super Bowls.