Chris Jones has sparked a full-blown mood swing inside the Kansas City Chiefs’ locker room – and it all started with a push to bring back one of their old brothers in arms.
As the Chiefs try to climb out of an underwhelming 5-4 start and rebound from last week’s loss, the All-Pro defensive tackle has launched a public campaign to reunite the team with former Kansas City teammate Khalen Saunders – a move that’s already lifting spirits inside the building.
During a recent media session, Jones openly called on head coach Andy Reid and general manager Brett Veach to bring the 29-year-old defensive tackle back home. “We’ve got to get my brother back,” Jones said, making it clear he wants Saunders back in red and gold.
It didn’t take long for the idea to take off. Linebacker Nick Bolton echoed Jones’ push, telling the Kansas City Star that Saunders was “a huge contributor” during the team’s Super Bowl runs and a vital presence in the locker room.
Saunders is free to return to Kansas City
Saunders, who played for the Chiefs from 2019 to 2022 and won two championships with the franchise, was beloved for both his production and his energy.
Since leaving Kansas City in 2023, Saunders spent time with the New Orleans Saints before being traded to Jacksonville. But after the Jaguars recently cut him, the window for a reunion suddenly cracked open – and Jones’ endorsement has only fueled the momentum.
The campaign also reflects a team searching for leadership and stability after losing rookie defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott to a season-ending ACL tear in mid-October.
The Chiefs brought back veteran Mike Pennel to help plug the gap, and while he hasn’t recorded a sack, his championship experience has helped steady the unit. Bringing back Saunders, players believe, could deliver an even bigger emotional lift as Kansas City enters a crucial stretch of the season.
First of all: the Broncos
If Saunders clears waivers, the reunion becomes possible. But while the front office weighs the move, the Chiefs have more immediate business at hand: a pivotal divisional showdown with the Denver Broncos.
As the defense rallies around Jones’ push for a familiar face, the offense is battling its own challenges – and Kansas City is digging for anything that might restore its old championship swagger.
Read the full article here
