Panthers: 3 trade targets from Chiefs due to Patrick Mahomes deal
By Dean Jones
Pick Analysis. DT. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS. CHRISJONES. 1. 124. Scouting Report. player
Panthers trade target No. 1: Chris Jones (DT)
One player that would have been looking at Patrick Mahomes’ new deal with eyes wide open is Chris Jones. The defensive tackle is looking for a longer-term commitment of his own. And this is something that has not been forthcoming by the Kansas City Chiefs despite playing a leading role in their Super Bowl triumph.
Jones was a relentless force on the interior in 2019. He managed to secure nine sacks, 20 quarterback hits, eight tackles for loss, 23 solo tackles, and four pass deflections on his way to an exceptional 86.9 grade from Pro Football Focus.
The player was placed on the franchise tag to preventing him from leaving in free agency. But this is something that Jones appears reluctant to play on.
His predicament is something that is becoming more commonplace with individuals who get tagged in the offseason. And although this is going to come with a $16.12 million base salary. It is hard to argue that the lineman does not deserve a bigger deal relating to his production.
This is something that the Carolina Panthers could take advantage of. The Chiefs will not want to lose the player on the cheap. But if Jones makes his feelings known regarding a new deal then they might decide to cut their losses and seek maximum compensation in return.
The Panthers do have Derrick Brown and Kawann Short as their defensive tackle tandem in 2020. But the veteran isn’t going to be around much longer with his $20.83 million salary-cap hit in 2021. So if the opportunity to acquire Jones presents itself, it is something the organization should strongly consider.