Chiefs $80 Million Star Declares His Final Days At Kansas City

admin | December 3, 2023 | Other Clubs | No Comments

Before the Kansas City Chiefs (8-3) took on the Green Bay Packers (5-6) on Sunday Night Football, superstar Chris Jones talked about his future in the organization.

The veteran defensive tackle stated that he wanted to stay with the Chiefs during an appearance on “Gets It” with Michael Smith of NBC Sports, but he acknowledged that he had little control over the ultimate decision.

As the $80 million contract entered its last year, Jones declined to report to training camp in the absence of an improved deal. Following his inaction during the offseason and the start of the season, Jones consented to sign a $19.5 million, one-year contract with the Chiefs. Packed with incentives, Kevin Patra of NFL.com reports that the agreement could be worth up to $25 million.

Regarding contract negotiations, Jones said to Smith, “I never really take it personal, man.” “Man, the business part of it is the business part of it. It’s a difficult industry. You shouldn’t let your emotions become too attached to it since it’s a competitive industry. This may be my final season with the Chiefs, if we are telling the truth.

Will I be angry with the Chiefs for it? Will I take the Chiefs to task for it? No, you know what I mean? I understand the business side of things. I never let my emotions get in the way of the business aspect of things because I can respect facts.

Jones responded, “It ain’t,” when asked if the possibility that this is his last season with the Chiefs is at the front of his thoughts.

“In theory, I’ve given this organization everything I’ve got if this is my final year. I’ve used up all of my options,” the First-Team All-Pro declared. “I’m really grateful if this is my last year. Ideally, it isn’t. If that’s the case, though, I’m incredibly appreciative of the Chiefs organization and have put my all into this.

Chiefs DT Chris Jones Remains Focused on the Present

Even though a player’s mental health can suffer greatly due to employment uncertainty, Jones, who has spent his whole playing career with the Chiefs, is not worried about the future.

“I don’t even think about it because nothing really goes as planned when you start thinking about things and trying to plan, right?” About gaining free agency, Jones stated. “Every time something unexpected happens, you realize that you had everything planned out but…” I don’t give it much thought. We’ll assess ourselves at the end of the season to determine where we are, ideally staying with the Chiefs.

Jones, who has 24 total tackles and 7.5 sacks this season, is still a vital member of the Chiefs’ defense. The Chiefs’ defense has kept the team in the win column despite a difficult season for quarterback Patrick Mahomes and company.

If he continues to perform at a high level, the Chiefs’ former second-round selection from the 2016 NFL draft, who has led the team in sacks over the last four years, will receive significant bonuses. According to Patra, among other incentives, Jones will receive an additional $1.25 million if he hits 10 sacks and an additional $1 million if Kansas City wins the Super Bowl.

Last season, Jones recorded 15.5 sacks. If he does that again this season, the four-time Pro Bowler will get an additional $500,000.

The Chiefs Included a ‘Notable’ Caveat in Chris Jones’ Contract

Perfectly speaking, Jone would stay in Kansas City. The veteran’s new contract suggests that the 29-year-old feels the Chiefs are his preferred team to continue with.

According to Patra, one noteworthy feature of the agreement is that Kansas City will still have the option to franchise tag Jones in 2024, giving them control over the standout defensive tackle and maybe preventing him from going undrafted. According to James Palmer of NFL Network, the tag amount in 2024 would be roughly $32.4 million, a 120% increase over his 2023 cap figure.