NFL managers, coaches and players have voted Kansas City Chiefs DT Chris Jones the best defensive tackle in the league in ESPN’s current top 10 rankings.
Jones and every defensive tackle in the league finished behind the legendary Aaron Donald every year. The perennial All-Pro retired at the end of last season, opening the door for a new star at the top of the order.
“The best player of the Top 10 Series era is retired,” wrote ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. “Aaron Donald has consistently received more first-place votes than any other player in the four years since this poll began in 2020.”
Jones remained dominant after missing training camp, the preseason and the season’s opening game. He finished 2023 with 10.5 sacks in 16 games and was named to the first team All-Pro. His performance earned the 30-year-old a five-year, $158.75 million contract with $101 million guaranteed, making him the highest-paid defensive tackle in NFL history.
Working from nine to five 😤
Congratulations, @StoneColdJones! pic.twitter.com/zvsZjyVfjd
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) July 11, 2024
Jones can now finally add the ESPN top spot to his numerous career accolades. He and his teammates hope to help Kansas City win a third consecutive Super Bowl in 2024.
