With NFL free agency quickly approaching, prepare ready for some wacky behavior from the Kansas City Chiefs.
NFL reporter Jeff Darlington declared on February 20th episode of ESPN’s Get Up that he “would rather [wide receiver] Mike Evans on [the Chiefs] offense than Chris Jones on [their] defense.”
“This is a team that, from year to year, redefined themselves?” Darlington clarified. “We observed them stuttering.” Two years ago, they were an offensive club that won the Super Bowl; this year, they were a defensive team.
He went on, “I also acknowledge that they succeeded without Tyreek Hill,” before saying, “They need to surround [Patrick] Mahomes with weapons.” They must not fall into the trap of thinking that they can win Super Bowls handily without the need for weapons year after year.
Jeff Darlington Reverses Chiefs’ Remarks About Chris Jones & Mike Evans Slightly on X
Following the video clip’s release on X by ESPN Get Up, Darlington replied, reversing some of his earlier remarks.
He clarified, “I was baited by Mike [Tannenbaum]! 😂.” “The Chiefs can find a way to sign BOTH players, and they should.” However, I think wide receiver should continue to be the top priority this off-season, particularly if they are unable to reach an agreement with Jones on a long-term basis.
That too is an exaggeration. With all due respect to one of the most reliable wide receivers in sports, Jones is a three-time Super Bowl champion and arguably the most vital member of the Chiefs’ defensive line.
Because of Mahomes, Travis Kelce, head coach Andy Reid, and other players, Kansas City has already demonstrated twice that they are capable of winning without the services of a top-tier wide receiver. Can Jones be said to be the same?
That’s also overly dramatic. With all due respect to one of the most dependable wide receivers in sports, Jones is the Chiefs’ defensive line’s most important player and a three-time Super Bowl champion.
Kansas City has proven twice already that they can win without the services of a top-tier wide receiver thanks to Mahomes, Travis Kelce, head coach Andy Reid, and other players. Does Jones fit the same description?
That’s a bit dramatic as well. All due respect to one of the most consistent wide receivers in sports, Jones is a three-time Super Bowl champion and the most vital member of the Chiefs’ defensive line.
Thanks to Mahomes, Travis Kelce, head coach Andy Reid, and other players, Kansas City has already demonstrated twice that they are a successful team without the services of a top-tier wide receiver. Does Jones match the same profile?
“It’s simply incomprehensible to witness what transpired during the Super Bowl and fail to recognize the importance and influence he had,” the source continued. “I don’t think it’s understating it to say he is their pass rush,” she continued.
Additionally, Graziano stated that because of the younger cornerbacks in the organization who are already making good progress—such as Trent McDuffie, Joshua Williams, Jaylen Watson, and others—cornerback L’Jarius Sneed is more easily replaceable than Jones.
Mike Evans and Patrick Mahomes Would Make an Exceptional Team for the Chiefs
Let’s assume that Jones has already signed a contract extension. Few Chiefs supporters would argue against adding Evans as a backup.
Kansas City has a little over $15 million in open cap space, according to Over the Cap’s latest projection, and there is still room for more. And if the front office has the money, who wouldn’t want to start a 10-time 1,000-yard wide out with quarterback Kirk Mahomes?
All of that might clear the way for Jones and Evans to sign big new deals, presuming the standout player for the Tampa Bay Bucs enters the open market.
Michael Obermuller started working for Heavy.com in 2021 and covers the Cincinnati Bengals, New York Giants, Miami Dolphins, and Kansas City Chiefs. Born and raised in the New York City, he graduated from Quinnipiac University. He has written for FanDuel’s The Duel, King Fantasy Sports, and Pro Football Mania. Additional information regarding Michael Obermuller
The process to sign Evans would probably include cutting loose Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Justin Watson, who would have freed up a total of $13.97 million, renegotiating Mahomes’ contract, which would have freed up an additional $37 million, and allowing Sneed to enter free agency.
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