Report: Chiefs to use franchise tag on potential free agent target Chris Jones

The Arizona Cardinals want to beef up their defensive line in the offseason and probably will look to free agency to do so, at least in part. The best free agent scheduled to hit the market is the Kansas City Chiefs’ Chris Jones.

He will command a huge salary but there probably isn’t a better player available.

However, it doesn’t appear he will even get to free agency. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Chiefs will use the franchise tag on Jones, which will take him off the market.

The #Chiefs are going to franchise tag star DL Chris Jones, sources say. Not a surprise, but Kansas City views him in their long-term plans and hopes to get a deal done at some point. The window opens officially today.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 27, 2020

Teams can begin to use the franchise or transition tags beginning today (Thursday).

The Chiefs want to sign him to a long-term deal, but the tag will ensure he returns for at least one more season. He will be paid an estimated $15.5 million salary if he plays under the tag and doesn’t agree to a new contract before July 15.

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