The Kansas City Chiefs made an announcement on Monday regarding their new one-year contract with Chris Jones, the All-Pro defensive tackle. This contract marks the end of his holdout and raises the possibility of him returning to the field during their Week 2 match against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
While the Chiefs did not disclose specific terms of the deal, a source revealed to The Associated Press that it did not extend the original four-year, $80 million contract set to expire. Instead, the new agreement includes incentives that substantially increase Jones’s earnings for the current season.
Chiefs’ General Manager Brett Veach expressed his satisfaction with the deal, praising Chris Jones as an elite player and a leader on their team. Veach also commended Jones’ representation, Jason and Michael Katz, for their efforts in securing the agreement.
The Katz brothers had been actively involved in negotiations and even joined Jones in Kansas City to observe the Chiefs’ season-opening game against Detroit.
Chiefs’ head coach Andy Reid hinted at ongoing communication between the team and Jones just before the contract announcement.
Chris Jones had sacrificed a $500,000 workout bonus and incurred fines of $50,000 per day for missing mandatory events, including minicamp and training camp.
He had also forfeited nearly $1.1 million by holding out through Week 1 of the season. It remains uncertain whether the provisions in his new contract will allow him to recover these lost earnings.
The statement from the Chiefs did not address the future beyond this season. The team may still explore options such as negotiating a long-term contract, using the franchise tag, possibly trading Jones, or allowing him to enter free agency.
Jones is coming off a remarkable season, recording 15 1/2 sacks, matching his career best, and making significant contributions to the Chiefs’ defense during their Super Bowl victory.
He received recognition with his first spot on the All-Pro first team and his fourth consecutive Pro Bowl selection. Jones finished third in voting for the AP Defensive Player of the Year award, behind Nick Bosa of the 49ers and Micah Parsons of the Cowboys.
This contract agreement comes approximately a week after Jones returned to Kansas City from his offseason training in Miami. During this time, he spent 90 minutes visiting sick children and their families at the Ronald McDonald House Charities.
In his only public statement, Jones expressed his desire to remain with the Chiefs for the long term. He had been rumored to seek a contract that surpassed recent deals for defensive tackles but fell short of the benchmark set by the Rams’ Aaron Donald, who signed a three-year, $96 million contract.
“I’ve been keeping in contact with my teammates. I’ve been diligently training every day, following a regimen similar to the one they’re practicing in training camp.” Jones expressed optimism. “I’ll be ready when the time comes.”
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