Why the Chiefs might have to overspend on defense just to keep Chris Jones from walking away.QQ
The Kansas City Chiefs need to be aggressive ahead of the trade deadline to help out star defensive tackle Chris Jones.
The Kansas City Chiefs seem to be back on track, winning their last two games, and absolutely dominating the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday. After defeating Vegas 31-0, the Chiefs are 4-3, working their way back into the mix of contenders in the AFC. Still, with plenty of work left to be done, Kansas City needs to be aggressive ahead of the NFL’s November 4 trade deadline.
The Chiefs have multiple positions they could address with trades, but one position group that should be a priority is the defensive line. Kansas City has recently taken a hit on the defensive line, losing Omar Norman-Lott for the season. Prior to his injury, the Chiefs were already leaning on Chris Jones a ton. If Kansas City wants the best version of Jones in the postseason, it needs to get him some help to make it through the remainder of the regular season.
Chiefs need to aggressively pursue a defensive lineman ahead of the trade deadline
With Norman-Lott tearing his ACL, Jones remains the only real impact player on the interior of Kansas City’s defensive line. The six-time Pro Bowler has been doing his part, recording 10 tackles, five for a loss, two sacks, and eight quarterback hits through seven games, but it’s fair to be concerned about his usage. At 31 years old, playing in his 10th season, the Chiefs want to be cautious about putting too much on Jones’ plate, because they could overwork him before the postseason arrives.
That problem could be solved by acquiring another defensive tackle. With the trade deadline approaching, several guys could be moved. A couple defensive tackles the Chiefs should have their eyes on are Shelby Harris of the Cleveland Browns and Sebastian Joseph-Day of the Tennessee Titans. Both veteran tackles are currently with struggling teams, so they are perfect trade candidates.
Joseph-Day, who has started 85 games in this league, has 25 tackles and one sack on the season in seven games with the Titans. Harris, on the other hand, has been a contributor to the Browns’ elite defense, recording 11 total tackles on the year, with three for a loss. If the Chiefs could get either one of them to Kansas City, it would go a long way for Chris Jones and the defense.
Even if Veach has other players in mind, it’s imperative the Chiefs go shopping before the deadline for someone to come alongside Jones and the rest of the defensive line.
