Chris Jones agrees to 1-year deal with the Chiefs, ending star defender's holdout
Chris Jones had his Super Bowl rings. Now he has a new contract.
The Kansas City Chiefs confirmed reports Monday afternoon that they have reached a one-year deal with Jones. ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that the deal doesn't include any new years and that it contains multiple incentives that can add to Jones' 2023 earnings. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Tuesday that deal is worth up to $25 million and Jones' $19.5 million base salary will remain the same. Jones wracked up millions of dollars in fines during his offseason holdout.
A deeper breakdown, according to Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer:
Jones was entering the final season of a four-year, $80 million deal. He felt he had outproduced that deal, and the latest five-year, $170 million deal for San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa reinforced that Jones was due for a raise. Holding out through the preseason was how Jones exercised his leverage.
On the eve of the regular season opener, Jones made it clear he didn't want to go to another team.
“It’s always been my goal to be a Chief for life. I’ve said that multiple times," Jones said, via Nate Taylor of The Athletic. "They know where my position is at.”
Jones is coming off his fourth Pro Bowl season in a row. He tied a career best with 15.5 sacks and was first-team All-Pro for the first time. He also helped the Chiefs to a second Super Bowl championship in the past four seasons. He has clearly been the best defensive player for the Chiefs during their growing dynasty. He wanted to be paid as such.
It took Jones and the Chiefs a while to come to an agreement. Finally, Jones got the raise he desired. And now it appears he's set to return to the field for Kansas City's Week 2 matchup at the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. The Chiefs will look to bounce back from their season-opening loss to the Detroit Lions last Thursday.
