The Kansas City Chiefs are entering the 2026 season with something unfamiliar: questions. After years of dominance under Patrick Mahomes, the franchise endured one of the most disappointing campaigns of the modern era, finishing 6-11 and missing the playoffs for the first time since Mahomes became the starting quarterback.
Injuries, inconsistent performances, and an inability to close out games contributed to a season that fell far below expectations. As a result, Kansas City heads into the fall determined to reestablish itself as a legitimate contender in the AFC.
While Mahomes’ health remains central to the team’s outlook, several veteran leaders will also play significant roles in the Chiefs’ pursuit of a rebound. Among them is defensive tackle Chris Jones, whose presence has been a defining feature of Kansas City’s championship success over the past decade.
Although Jones experienced a slight statistical decline last season, league observers remain convinced that he belongs among football’s elite. Sports Illustrated recently ranked the veteran as the No. 6 defensive tackle entering the 2026 season, reinforcing his status as one of the NFL’s most respected defenders.
1. Respect Earned Over Time
Jones has spent years building a résumé that places him among the most accomplished defensive players of his generation. Since arriving in Kansas City, he has consistently disrupted opposing offenses with a rare combination of size, athleticism, and instincts.
Standing 6-foot-6 and weighing 310 pounds, Jones has developed a reputation for making life difficult for quarterbacks. His ability to generate interior pressure has made him one of the cornerstones of defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s system.
Sports Illustrated’s ranking reflects both his current abilities and his sustained excellence. According to the publication, Jones recorded 48 quarterback pressures, seven sacks, and 12 tackles for loss during the 2025 season despite playing on a team that struggled throughout the year.
Those numbers, while slightly below his peak production, remain impressive. Over the course of his career, Jones has accumulated 339 tackles and 87.5 sacks, establishing himself as one of the most productive interior defenders in NFL history.
2. A Key Figure in Kansas City’s Dynasty
When discussions turn to the Chiefs’ championship years, Mahomes understandably receives much of the attention. However, Jones’ contributions have been equally important to the organization’s sustained success.
Throughout Kansas City’s three Super Bowl runs, Jones consistently delivered in the biggest moments. His ability to collapse the pocket and disrupt offensive game plans provided the Chiefs with a defensive advantage that few teams could match.
Opposing coordinators often devoted significant resources to slowing him down, frequently assigning double teams in an effort to limit his impact. Even then, Jones found ways to influence games through pressure, leadership, and timely plays.
His career has also featured several historic accomplishments, including setting the NFL record for consecutive games with a sack at 11 in 2018. Achievements such as that have helped solidify his legacy as one of the premier defensive tackles of his era.
3. Expectations for 2026
Kansas City’s hopes of returning to contention will depend heavily on the performances of its veteran stars. Mahomes is expected to return to full health, while the organization will also look for productive seasons from Travis Kelce and Jones.
The Chiefs remain optimistic that last season’s struggles were an exception rather than the beginning of a larger decline. A healthier roster and improved consistency could quickly return the team to the playoff conversation.
For Jones, the challenge is straightforward: rediscover the dominant form that made him one of the NFL’s most feared defenders. If he can elevate his play back to previous levels, Kansas City’s defense could once again become one of the league’s strengths.
The AFC remains as competitive as ever, but few teams possess the combination of experience and star power available to the Chiefs. With Mahomes leading the offense and Jones anchoring the defense, Kansas City believes another championship pursuit remains well within reach.