The Kansas City Chiefs‘ pass rush has been in decline over the past two seasons.
After finishing second in the NFL in sacks in 2022 and 2023, they fell to 19th in 2024, and 25th in 2025. The centerpiece of Kansas City’s pass rush during its Super Bowl dynasty has been defensive lineman Chris Jones, who just completed his 10th NFL season.
Jones is a six-time All-Pro and a seven-time Pro Bowler. He may very well end up in the Pro Football Hall of Fame one day, but still has three years left on his contract with the Chiefs. Jones wasn’t as dominant in 2025 as he has been the previous several years, and will be 32 years old at the start of the 2026 season. However, one NFL analyst isn’t discouraged by either of those factors.
Kansas City Chiefs DL Chris Jones Predicted to Get Back to All-Pro Form in 2026
The team of NFL experts at ESPN recently made several predictions for the 2026 season. Among them was Jason Reid, who believes Jones will return to dominance.
“Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones will revert to All-Pro form. Mahomes’ defensive counterpart throughout Kansas City’s dynastic run, Jones was not as disruptive in the interior or off the edge during the team’s nightmarish 2025 season. Reenergized, the future Hall of Famer will be selected as a first-team All-Pro for the fourth time in five seasons.”
Unlike skill position players, linemen more frequently remain productive well into their 30’s. It’s not crazy to believe that Jones can get back to his former All-Pro self in 2026. Although 2025 was a failure all the way around for the Chiefs, Jones said there are still valuable things they can take away from it.
“Definitely was a learning curve this year,” Jones said at the conclusion of the 2025 season. “I appreciate the challenges. You know, you learn a lot about yourself when you have a lot of tough times throughout the course of 17 weeks. So it’s been a journey to say the least, but I learned a lot.”
Chiefs need to get Jones some help
GettyChiefs DT Chris Jones
The biggest obstacle Jones has faced over the last two seasons is not having a productive counterpart pass rusher. Defensive end George Karlaftis has his moments, but isn’t consistent. Despite signing a four-year, $93 million contract last offseason, his sack total has declined each of the past three years.
Fellow DEs Charles Omenihu and Mike Danna were also major disappointment in 2025. Rookie defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott showed promise, but missed most of the season with a torn ACL. The Chiefs reverted back to leaning on veterans such as Derrick Nnadi and Mike Pennel, each of who providing very little pass rush.
As free agency and the draft approach, defensive line is arguably Kansas City’s biggest need. Jones has faced constant double and triple teams from opposing offensive lines over the past couple of seasons, and desperately needs paired with another pass rusher who can win one-on-one matchups. Jones’ versatility to play DT or DE gives the Chiefs options to add at either position.
Chiefs DL Chris Jones Gets Bold Prediction for 2026 Season From NFL Analyst