Predict what’s next for 49ers top 10 free agents after 2024 Super Bowl: Where will Chris Jones go?
The Super Bowl is over, and the Kansas City Chiefs are not just NFL champions, but an official dynasty, having captured three of the league’s last five Lombardi Trophies. However, many teams have already turned the page to the 2024 season, where they will begin their own quest to unseat Patrick Mahomes and Co.
The Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers, their opponent in Super Bowl LVIII, will soon join the rest of the league in preparing for the coming months. With that in mind, here are early predictions of what’s next for some of the top 10 unrestricted free agents between both contenders, including perennial All-Pro Chris Jones, who helped KC hoist its last trophy:
Heads of UFAs
If the Chiefs had lost Super Bowl LVIII, the former Tampa Bay Buccaneers player might have been identified as the main culprit, as he struggled to keep up with the 49ers’ pa*s rush out of the gate. Remember, KC’s original plan at left tackle in 2023 was to shift Jawaan Taylor from the right side. They probably won’t be in a rush to make a new deal.
prediction: Signs a one-year, $4 million deal with the Green Bay Packers
The five-time Pro Bowler was once again instrumental in the Chiefs’ title run in 2023, capping off a year that began with a denial until Week 1. His renegotiated contract, which averages $20 million per year in payments, will be voided in March, and he’ll certainly seek another raise in the third double-digit season of his career. While other clubs would pay a fortune for his destructive presence in the trenches, KC value him too much to let him out again.
prediction: He signs a three-year, $90 million extension with the Chiefs
The former fifth-round pick had a career year as a full-time standout off the edge, tallying 6.5 sacks and 13 quarterback hits, and Charles Omenihu’s injury late in the year may increase his importance in the building. But with Chris Jones controlling the top dollar and George Karlaftis also on the defensive end, Dana is poised for a richer opportunity elsewhere.
prediction: Signs a two-year, $19.5 million deal with the Detroit Lions
A four-year starter at linebacker for the Chiefs, Jay has now been part of two title-winning defenses at KC, though his numbers have never been gaudy. He’s likely to be one of the most affordable homegrown prospects on this side of the ball, but even then, re-signing Drue Tranquill or relying on Nick Bolton is likely the most likely.
prediction: Signs a two-year, $13 million deal with the Dallas Cowboys
Perhaps no Chiefs got a bigger raise this year than Snead, whose work on the physical perimeter (career-high 14 pa*s deflections) led teammate Justin Reed to consider him a KC player. Most of them are underratedProfessional caliber defender. The Chiefs would certainly love to have him back, but with Trent McDuffie also in the corner, they may prefer to let Sneed test the market, just as they did with Charvarius Ward before him. Plenty of other clubs would offer a lucrative interest.
prediction: Signs a three-year, $48 million deal with the Las Vegas Raiders
49ers UFAs
The former New York Jets first baseman is yet to play as Brock Purdy’s replacement in 2023, but by virtue of his position, he is a relatively big name to watch in the QB market, where teams are always eyeing high-flyers. Darnold may be better suited to stand, but perhaps Kyle Shanahan has confidence in his ability to develop other young signal-callers, and the clock is also ticking on the former USC standout’s path to another starting gig.
prediction: Signs a one-year, $5 million deal with the New Orleans Saints
The 49ers enjoyed one of Young’s best Super Bowl performances, and on paper, the former Washington Commanders star makes sense as a long-term fit alongside Nick Bosa, his former Ohio State teammate. But they’ll also receive a solid compensatory draft pick if he walks, and his overall performance in the half-season after the trade deadline probably won’t justify the money he’ll command upon the extension. Meanwhile, other clubs appear more desperate for help with quick pa*sing.
prediction: Signs four-year, $62 million deal with Atlanta Falcons
The former Dallas Cowboys star has now played for three different teams in the past three years, and struggles to generate much pressure when given opportunities in San Francisco after an offseason trade. He will likely explore low-risk, high-direction trades elsewhere as the 49ers look to get younger in the trenches.
prediction: Signs a one-year, $1.5 million deal with the Chicago Bears
The former No. 14 has played just 11 games in the past three seasons, struggling to stay healthy or make an impact as part of San Francisco’s vaunted defensive front. But someone would be willing to gamble on the physical attributes that prompted his impressive arrival. One candidate could be former Houston defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans.
prediction: Signs a one-year, $1.5 million deal with the Houston Texans
The 12-year veteran was a surprise difference-maker in San Francisco a year ago, earning five picks, and his veteran versatility has helped anchor the 49ers’ back end again this season. However, he struggled in the Super Bowl, and will turn 34 before the start of the 2024 campaign. He has also hinted at hanging up the cleats before.
prediction: Retires