Chiefs' Chris Jones stays on reported 5-year deal with record salary and $95 million guaranteed
At the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl parade, defensive lineman Chris Jones told the fans he was going to return for another season even as he was set to become a free agent.
But that was said in an emotional moment. He still needed to get the contract he sought. Which he got — from the Chiefs.
The Chiefs and Jones reached an agreement Saturday on a five-year deal that contains $95 million guaranteed and the largest salary ever for a defensive tackle, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Jones seemed to confirm the news on social media shortly after:
📝📝
— Chris Jones (@StoneColdJones) March 10, 2024
Jones has established himself as one of the NFL’s best and most respected defensive linemen. He wanted to be paid like the players on his elite level and he got it.
Chris Jones has been dominant
Jones went from being regularly underrated to a visible, crucial part of a dynasty.
Jones hit his stride his third season, getting 15.5 sacks, but didn’t even make a Pro Bowl. In his fourth season he did make a Pro Bowl, the first of five in a row. He and the Chiefs won a Super Bowl too.
As Jones became one of the NFL’s dominant players, with 67 sacks the past six seasons, he wanted a contract that was more in line with his production. He held out last season, with one report saying he wanted $30 million per season. After Jones missed the Chiefs’ first game, the team and Jones came to an agreement on a reworked deal with more incentives. Jones recorded 10.5 sacks, was first-team All-Pro for the second straight season and won a third Super Bowl in five years.
It was an impressive performance in a contract year. Even with Jones about to enter his age-30 season, he was arguably the most valuable free agent on the market.
It was time to cash in.
Chiefs chasing a 3rd straight Super Bowl
The Chiefs are having a pretty good offseason. Despite some rumors, they didn't have any unexpected retirements with coach Andy Reid or Travis Kelce. L'Jarius Sneed was retained on the franchise tag, though he could be traded.
Jones was a big part of the puzzle.
The Chiefs won a Super Bowl last season in large part because of their defense, which was the best of the Patrick Mahomes era in Kansas City. Jones is the biggest part of that defense. While Jones told Chiefs fans he wasn't going anywhere, there had to be a little doubt until the contract was done.
That question is answered. The Chiefs will have their best defensive player back. Jones got the contract he has been seeking. It took a while, but the story turned out well for everyone. Now Kansas City can start to focus on making history and winning a third straight Super Bowl.
