Sources: Chiefs to use franchise tag on DT Chris Jones
The Kansas City Chiefs will use their franchise tag on defensive lineman Chris Jones, according to ESPN and multiple reports.
The Chiefs' decision to use their franchise tag on Jones was first reported Thursday by the NFL Network.
Chiefs GM Brett Veach said at the scouting combine this week that Kansas City was open to using its franchise tag on Jones but that the Super Bowl champs would like to agree to a long-term deal with the Pro Bowler.
"It's certainly a priority for us. Sometimes these things take some time to work through," Veach said. "The franchise tag is something that we have the ability to use. We'd certainly like to see if we can work something out with him. The tandem of Chris Jones and Frank Clark is something any team would want and we're going to work hard to get that done."
Jones, who turns 26 in July, led the Chiefs in sacks in each of the past two seasons.
He predicted in training camp in 2018 he would lead the league in sacks, and while he didn't, he got close. Jones' 15.5 sacks were third in the league behind Aaron Donald's 20.5 and J.J. Watt's 16.
Jones failed to register a sack in Super Bowl LIV but still played a big role in the Chiefs' victory. His pressure on 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo forced an interception in the second quarter. Jones also knocked down three of Garoppolo's passes.
Jones didn't participate in the Chiefs' offseason practices and workouts last year in the hope of getting a contract extension. It didn't happen, and Jones reported to training camp on time. He played the season in the final year of the contract he signed in 2016 as the Chiefs' second-round draft pick from Mississippi State.
He has 33 sacks, 2 interceptions and 7 forced fumbles in 61 career games.
ESPN's Adam Teicher contributed to this report.
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