Broncos Urged to Poach All-Pro Defender From Chief Rival in Free Agency.

The Denver Broncos defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 24-9 in Week 8 to snap a 16-game losing run. Even though the Broncos lost to the Chiefs in the AFC West, they still ended up third; therefore, the upset was a positive move.

Sean Payton, the head coach, still has a ways to go before Denver passes Kansas City to win the division. Would it work if one of its best defenders was taken?

According to Lou Scataglia of Predominantly Orange, Denver might overtake the Chiefs in 2024 if the Broncos sign All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones.

In all honesty, I believe Jones will outbid the [Chiefs] on price. Additionally, Jones may want to follow the money at this stage in his career, according to Scataglia’s piece from January 24. “He can’t really do much more in the NFL after winning two rings with the franchise. I believe that many players are thinking about how much money they can make, and the Broncos could use the assistance up front. Although Denver doesn’t have a lot of cap room, they do have ways to add quite a bit.

Jones joined the Kansas City Royals after his 37th-round NFL draft selection in 2016. The defensive playmaker was selected for the first team of the All-Pro team in both of the 2022–2023 seasons.

According to StatMuse, Jones has 20 solo tackles and six sacks in 15 career games against the Broncos.

One of the NFL’s Best Defenders Is Chris Jones

Since joining the NFL, Jones has been among the best performers in his position. For this reason, Jones was ranked as the best player scheduled to enter free agency in 2024 by Brad Spielberger of PFF.

According to Spielberger’s post from January 22, “Jones is not only one of the best interior pass rushers in the game right now, he’s one of the best ever.” “As a five-technique, he can also line up outside of tackles, bend around the edge, and get home.”

Throughout his eight-year career, the Mississippi State graduate has been a threat to opposition attacks.

Jones recorded 15.5 sacks in the 2018 season, tying a record he set in 2022. Including 10.5 sacks in 16 games this season, Jones has 75.5 sacks in 123 career games.

Jones was selected to the Pro Bowl each year from 2019 to 23 and was a second-team All-Pro in 2018 and 2020–21.

Would Chris Jones’s free agency price put him outside of Denver’s reach?

Although signing Jones during free agency could prove to be too costly, he would greatly improve the Broncos defense.

Denver, according to OverTheCap, has a dead cap of $9,693,124 and is ranked 28th in the NFL in terms of cap space with -$23,670,508. What the team does this summer will probably depend on how the Russell Wilson issue plays out.

Jones will demand a contract that matches his Kansas City output. In July 2023, Nate Taylor of The Athletic said that the All-Pro was seeking a $30 million contract on a yearly basis.

When looking to sign undrafted players, the Broncos need to be selective and a little bit economical. Given his two Super Bowl victories under his belt, Jones would be a formidable opponent to tackle.

Alongside Payton, he might help the Broncos further solidify their championship culture in the Mile High City.