UDFA Linebacker Cam Jones Chose Chiefs Because of ‘Great Fit’

One of Kansas City's high-investment undrafted signings is grateful to be a part of the organization.

The Kansas City Chiefs' 2023 NFL Draft haul has been a popular subject of discussion as of late, but the team's undrafted free agent class is also worth noting.

As far as high-profile signings are concerned, general manager Brett Veach targeted multiple players and offered them lucrative contracts considering their undrafted status. Examples of those investments include Tennessee offensive lineman Jerome Carvin, Tulsa running back Deneric Prince and Harvard defensive lineman Truman Jones. Indiana linebacker Cam Jones, whose deal includes a $15,000 signing bonus and a $135,000 base salary guarantee, also fits into that grouping. 

Jones, who wrapped up a five-year career with the Hoosiers this past season, isn't taking anything for granted. The 23-year-old is taking his opportunity and running with it, both literally and figuratively. At the end of rookie minicamp, Jones detailed why he chose the Chiefs in undrafted free agency and explained why a lot of it came down to fit. 

“I think it’s a great opportunity," Jones said. "Looking at what the Chiefs did over the past couple (of) years, it’s like why not come be a part of greatness and I think that I fit the type of coaching style that they have and just the overall players. I think that’s a great fit.”

Having played in 43 games over the course of his collegiate career, Jones has plenty of experience. He also has 204 combined tackles (with 13.5 of them being for a loss), nine passes broken up, seven sacks, three forced fumbles and a pair of interceptions to his name as well. His profile as an undersized linebacker and someone who didn't test particularly well during the pre-draft process raises questions about his ceiling at the next level, but there's also a bit of a floor there due to his track record in college and what he showed on tape. 

As Jones looks to adjust to life in the NFL and fight for a roster spot at the same time, he's focused on learning from the multitude of quality linebackers the Chiefs already have in the fold. 

“I think coming in being able to learn from guys like Nick (Bolton), Willie Gay, and Leo Chenal and Drue (Tranquill)," Jones said. "Just learning from those guys and taking my game to the next level. I know that those guys – they all have something to give and for me being a young guy coming in, I’ve got to learn how to put that into (a) part of my game and just grow as a player.”

With rookie minicamp now in the books, Kansas City will prepare for organized team activities (OTAs) later in the month. In June, mandatory minicamp also takes place. In July and August, training camp and the preseason will present respective opportunities for newcomers like Jones to display what they can bring to the table. Facing an uphill battle to earn a spot on the Chiefs' final 53-man roster, every day is seemingly a job interview of sorts for undrafted free agents. For Jones, this recent rookie minicamp helped set the tone and prepare him for what's ahead. 

“It was great," Jones said. "It was a great weekend. I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. Working with (Linebackers) Coach (Brendan) Daly, I think that he puts a lot on our plate as linebackers, but you know, linebackers, they’re the quarterback of the defense and you wouldn’t want it any other way. We’ve got a good amount of plays (and) a lot of details that can help us for the next phase of practice."

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