NFL star says what needs to be said about Kansas City Chiefs DT Chris Jones after disappointing 2025 NFL season

Jones is finally getting the respect he deserves after the Chiefs had a bad season all-around in 2025.

Justin Churchill College Football & NFL Trending News Writer
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Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones Titans defensive tackle Jeff Simmons
Oct 19, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Chris Jones (95) runs onto the field during player introductions prior to the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images Denny Medley-Imagn Images

If you asked Kansas City Chiefs fans their thoughts on Chris Jones in 2025, most may say he didn’t play very well. And, sure, he didn’t when you think of how he usually plays. Then again, did anyone play well for KC in 2025?

However, he’s still considered one of the best defensive tackles in the league, and other elite DTs recognize that as well.

“So many good ones right now,” Tennessee Titans DT Jeffery Simmons told Jordan Schultz. “In no order, I have to go to Jones (Chiefs DT). He’s still playing at a high level and getting hella attention. from running back chips and double teams.”

Simmons finished the list with himself, Quinnen Williams (Dallas Cowboys), Leonard Williams (Seattle Seahawks), and Meliek Collins (Cleveland Browns). As an honorable mention, he stated Zach Allen (Denver Broncos).

Simmons has always held Jones in high regard

That’s not the first time he’s mentioned Jones as a top DT, either. Just last season, he said the same thing in a different interview.

“Being in that talk with them sometimes makes you feel good,” Simmons said in a 2024 interview with Ramon, Kayla, and Will on 104.5 The Zone about being in the conversation with defensive tackles like Chris Jones. “But it’s one of those things where I’m very hard on myself. I’m like, ‘it’s not good enough.’ My family, they’re big on that. They’ll see stuff with the rankings, and they’ll post it, and I’m like, ‘I’m not reposting that! I don’t care about that. If you’re not one, you’re last. I want to be the best defensive tackle in this game, and that’s my goal this year. To continue to elevate my career because, quite frankly, I haven’t reached that peak yet.”

The two have a ton of respect for one another, especially considering that they both played at Mississippi State. Jones is still an elite player, and if guys who play in the NFL recognize that and watch the tape, it’s safe to say we can somewhat give him a pass for this down year when everything around him was crumbling.