As we dive into the upcoming season for the Kansas City Chiefs, I am excited to continue my “10 Biggest Questions” series by exploring the team’s depth on the defensive interior line.

Does this headline seem familiar? It should — because just a year ago, I posed the same question regarding the Chiefs’ defensive tackles. This ongoing evaluation reflects the continual evolution and challenges within the team’s roster.

Last season, Chris Jones was in the midst of contract negotiations, and I expressed my concerns about the lack of depth and experience behind him. My anxiety stemmed from the potential risk that this gap could undermine what was otherwise a formidable defensive unit.

Fortunately, Jones’ holdout was resolved after just one game. While the remaining defensive tackles weren’t standout performers, they managed to support what ultimately became a top-3 defense. When Jones needed rest, players like Charles Omenihu, Mike Danna, and George Karlaftis stepped up effectively from the interior, demonstrating some level of depth.

Yet, I still harbor concerns regarding this group.

Kansas City has repeated its approach from last year, making Jones the centerpiece of the defensive interior while surrounding him with budget-friendly players. As we enter 2024, the same familiar faces from last season remain: Derrick Nnadi, Mike Pennel, and Tershawn Wharton, with Matt Dickerson and Neil Farrell positioned as potential end-of-the-roster options. This consistency raises important questions about the effectiveness of this strategy.

This situation is not necessarily negative. While I wouldn’t claim that any of these players (aside from Jones) are even average by league standards, their performance didn’t significantly detract from the defensive unit’s success in critical moments during 2023. Although the run defense ranked 28th in expected points added (EPA), it achieved a respectable 15th in success rate. This indicates that while the defense allowed some explosive runs, it generally performed adequately on a down-to-down basis, giving the outstanding secondary a chance to shine.

So why do I still have worries? Let’s focus on Jones.

This offseason, the Chiefs secured Chris Jones with a contract extension that will keep him in Kansas City during his prime playing years. Following another stellar season, this decision was logical. Jones has become an indispensable player in the team’s emerging dynasty, and his presence on the field is irreplaceable in this iteration of the roster.

However, this reliance on Jones highlights a concerning lack of investment surrounding him. If Jones were to be sidelined, the depth behind him would undoubtedly rank among the weakest in the league. His exceptional abilities mask many deficiencies in the defensive scheme, particularly concerning pass rushing. Ultimately, the team had no leverage in negotiations; re-signing him was a necessity.

Jones has proven to be an “Iron Man” for the defense, not missing a game due to injury since 2021. In the last two seasons, he has only missed one game: the first week of last season against the Detroit Lions due to his holdout. Furthermore, he consistently plays a large number of snaps. In 2022, he participated in an astonishing 80% of defensive snaps, which decreased slightly to 73% in 2023, primarily because of his absence in Week 1 and a gradual ramp-up afterward.

Throughout the first three weeks of the season — along with the Week 18 game against the Los Angeles Chargers when Jones played minimally just to secure a contract incentive — his snap percentages fluctuated between the mid-70s to the high 80s. This level of involvement is quite extraordinary.

Most defensive tackles struggle to manage the volume of snaps, attention, and physicality that Jones consistently endures. This unique endurance has allowed Kansas City to economize on their defensive tackle position without suffering significant setbacks.

However, as we move into 2024, it’s important to note that Jones is now 30 years old. While he remains one of the league’s elite players, he is likely approaching the twilight of his prime. As players — particularly on the defensive line — reach this crucial stage in their careers, they often require different management strategies to maintain their effectiveness.

The Chiefs must prioritize keeping Jones fresh and invigorated throughout the duration of his contract, especially as the postseason approaches. Similar to the strategy employed with tight end Travis Kelce, the team must focus on ensuring that Jones is ready for January, where he can unleash his full potential as a dominant force. The coaching staff can no longer afford to overuse him to the point that he cannot elevate his game when it matters most during the playoffs.

But can the Chiefs realistically achieve this goal? If Jones plays fewer snaps, who steps in to fill that gap? The roster lacks considerable talent on the defensive interior, especially regarding the three-technique position. While Farrell, Pennel, and Nnadi are primarily nose tackles, Wharton and Dickerson can play three-technique roles, but neither should be relied upon for extensive snap counts.

Could Kansas City consider moving defensive ends inside on a more frequent basis? While that is a possibility, Omenihu’s injury — potentially sidelining him for most of the season — complicates this strategy. He is the most viable candidate to transition inside. Players like Danna and Karlaftis can also perform this role situationally, but typically only on third downs, which is when Jones should ideally be on the field.

Given these circumstances, is it feasible for the Chiefs to add another defensive tackle, particularly a three-technique player? If they choose not to, how will they alleviate some of the burden from Jones’ shoulders?

This is not a new challenge for Kansas City. The team has not had quality defensive tackles alongside Jones since Allen Bailey departed in 2018, yet this situation has not significantly hindered their overall performance.

Nonetheless, I believe that as Jones ages, the necessity to provide him with additional support becomes increasingly crucial. I am genuinely concerned about the potential for him to become worn down — or worse, injured. It is essential for the Chiefs to consider acquiring a talented defensive tackle in 2024 to ensure the longevity and effectiveness of their defensive line.