Chiefs Rumors: ‘Optimism’ Chris Jones, Team Will Agree Contract Ahead of 2024 NFL FA
According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, the Kansas City Chiefs and defensive lineman Chris Jones are still negotiating over a new deal.
“While Jones could hit free agency, there is optimism the Chiefs will retain him,” Russini stated. “The Super Bowl champs are locked in on locking up their best player not named Patrick Mahomes.”
Prior to winning the Super Bowl for the second time in a row, Kansas City appeared to be in danger of losing Mahomes, its second-most important player.
Jones is valued at $28.4 million by Spotrac per year and is a free agent. The two-time All-Pro is on track to overtake Los Angeles Rams’ Aaron Donald as the second-highest paid interior defender, and he may soon become a member of the $30 million club.
Similar to how they Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill may feel priced out of a long-term deal with Jones after the latter began asking for a market-level contract. Additionally, they placed L’Jarius Sneed, the cornerback, on the franchise tag, eliminating that possibility.
But Jones made it very obvious that he wants to participate in a three-peat attempt during the team’s Super Bowl parade:
Those comments were probably music to the ears of head coach Andy Reid and general manager Brett Veach.
Once the championship high wore off, Jones and his representatives probably assessed the situation a little more dispassionately, though. As much as he’d prefer to stay in Kansas City, the 29-year-old’s value will probably never be higher than it is now. There’s little reason not to at least see what other teams are prepared to offer.
Chiefs fans will be heartened for now the team appears to have a strong line of communication open with Jones.
