Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Did star defensive tackle Chris Jones send the Kansas City Chiefs front office a message?

Right now, it looks like the foundation of the Chiefs’ 2024 defense could be built on sand. Jones is set to head into free agency next week if the Chiefs do not extend the All-Pro soon.

Jones expressed interest in returning to the Chiefs following the team’s Super Bowl victory over the San Francisco 49ers. Jones’ incredible play in the Super Bowl helped to nix multiple would-be Brock Purdy touchdown passes.

Jones was a holdout this summer following his 15.5-sack performance in the 2022 season. The Chiefs and Jones came to an agreement following Week 1 of the 2023 season. Jones racked up 10.5 sacks for the Chiefs in the regular season.

The Chiefs and Jones might have mutual interest in him suiting up in red and white colors next season, but the financials have to make sense for both parties. Jones has earned a major payday. Per Over The Cap, the Chiefs have a little more than $1 million in cap space before the start of free agency.

The Kansas City Chiefs are running out of time

Jones knows the Chiefs must quickly find a way to give him a bag. Jones posted a message on his X account of an hourglass emoji.

The Chiefs have until noon Monday to finalize a deal with Jones, or they will miss the deadline before the free-agency legal tampering period. Jones will be free to test the open market to find his worth.

Spoiler: It is going to be a lot of coins.

The Chiefs have already made a few housekeeping decisions on the defensive side of the ball. They applied the franchise tag to L’Jarius Sneed and granted him permission to seek a trade. The Chiefs extended linebacker Drue Tranquill.

Can they find a way to pay Jones before all the sand is at the bottom?

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