The Kansas City Chiefs have confirmed plans to leave their long-time home at Arrowhead Stadium and move across the state line in 2031. And that move has pushed their defensive tackle, Chris Jones, to reflect on what he would want to be doing when the team goes to Kansas.

“Whatever they do, that’s 2031,” Jones said in the press conference ahead of the Christmas Day game, thinking about how he would be much older. Jones and head coach Andy Reid were the first members of the Chiefs to speak about the move across state borders. “Yeah, I won’t be playing then. I hope I have a seat somewhere in the suite or somewhere wherever they play.”

His statement is not surprising, considering he would be 37 by then. But here are some more things that need to be considered: Jones will not only be much older by 2031, but also his contract with the team, a five-year, $158,750,000 deal, will run through 2028. Meaning, it would be highly unlikely that the team would offer him another big contract. But there are other moving parts to the story.

So far, it is clear that the Chiefs need to make some drastic changes in the offseason. And one of those potential moves could be parting ways with Jones. He is a good player, but many believe he is overpaid. His $44.85 million cap hit is the NFL’s second most for a non-quarterback and highest for a defensive player. And trading him would mean adding younger and cheaper players to the roster.

Since the player is aging, the team might have to make a quick decision before his value plummets. However, depending on who you ask, people might argue for or against such a trade. Whatever it may be, if the Chiefs do decide to trade Jones, it would have to be a mind-blowing offer.

That said, his production numbers this season haven’t been the best.

His four sacks this season and 24 combined tackles barely stand in comparison to the numbers he put up a couple of years ago. So, his current contract might not assure his future if his contribution doesn’t improve.

Regardless of what happens, Jones has accepted the Chiefs’ move to Kansas and hopes to be watching future games as a fan of the team. That sounds like acceptance for a player who had been actively campaigning in 2024 for the team to stay in KC. “Arrowhead Stadium is legendary,” he wrote last year. And in what was his last attempt to support the campaign, the veteran wore a hat featuring the state of Missouri on Tuesday while speaking to the reporters.

“That’s so far away, yet so close. Wherever we play it for the next few, I’ll be appreciative. I have so much love for Kansas City, Missouri, and Kansas.

“There’s a lot of history in that stadium [Arrowhead],” he said. “And like Mr. Hunt said, his father was all about evolving. And these fans are loyal.”

While Jones shared his stance on his future, the team also has a big update about their move across state borders.

Chris Jones and team move forward with $1.8 billion offering

The Kansas state officials passed a STAR bill back in mid-June, which received approval within 90 days. Their goal was to fund the Chiefs’ new stadium using future revenue generated by the project itself. That decision paved the way for a massive $3.3 billion development plan that includes far more than just a football stadium. Besides the domed stadium in Wyandotte County, it focused on building a large entertainment district and a new team headquarters and training facility in Johnson County. 

According to Clark Hunt, the deal is a public-private partnership, where the state of Kansas would cover roughly 60% of the cost ($1.8 billion) using STAR bonds and revenue from the sports betting fund. Meanwhile, the Hunt family would pay the remaining 40%. Following the announcement, Hunt lauded the vision behind the deal. 

“This project represents another step in our legacy of innovation and our fan-first mentality, which started with my father, Lamar Hunt,” he said. “The stadium, practice facility, and surrounding development will benefit the entire region, and further elevate Kansas City in the eyes of the country and the world.”

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The Chiefs reportedly prefer a site near the Kansas Speedway in Kansas City for their new home. However, the final location in Wyandotte County hasn’t been finalized at the time of writing. But no matter where they go, Chris Jones and other veterans will be cheering them from the sidelines.