The annual Super Bowl parade has become well known for plenty of humorous moments and alcohol-fueled gaffes throughout the years. There was plenty of that at the Kansas City Chiefs’ parade on Wednesday, but some big news came out of the day as well with standout defensive tackle Chris Jones making a statement to fans about his NFL future.
Chris Jones Dishes on Future at Super Bowl Parade
Jones has been a crucial part of each of the Chiefs’ three Super Bowl titles in the last five seasons alongside star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, helping the franchise establish itself as a dynasty.
Jones’ pending-free-agent status this offseason, however, led some to speculate he might head elsewhere after spending his first eight professional seasons in Kansas City. He is ranked second on PFN’s Top 100 free agents list for this offseason, trailing only quarterback Kirk Cousins.
Jones earned his fifth straight Pro Bowl nod this past season after tallying 30 tackles (20 solo), 13 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks, and four pass breakups in 16 regular season starts — production many NFL teams would certainly like to add to their defense.
Jones made it clear at the Super Bowl parade, though, that he intends to remain with the Chiefs for the foreseeable future with a rousing speech at the parade.
“I need three of those things, baby!” Jones said. “We ain’t done yet. We ain’t done yet. Kansas City, we will be back here next year. And for those who want Chris Jones gone, I ain’t going nowhere, baby! I’m going to be here this year, next year, and the year after.”
“I ain’t going nowhere, baby!”
Upcoming free agent Chris Jones says he’s running it back with the #Chiefs❗️
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) February 14, 2024
Following those comments, Jones was listed at -225 odds to return to Kansas City by DraftKings.
Jones’ agent, Michael J. Katz, chimed in on Twitter after Jones perhaps lost some negotiating leverage for his upcoming contract by announcing his intentions to remain with the Chiefs.
“Cut them off bartenders!!!! Too much,” Katz said.
😂 😂 😂 cut them off bartenders !!!! Too much 🍺
— Michael J. Katz (@NFLAGENTKATZ) February 14, 2024
Jones has established himself as a crucial contributor for Kansas City throughout his career, delivering in big moment after big moment for the franchise as a disruptive force in the interior of the line.
The 29-year-old is likely in line for a significant payday in free agency after earning an average annual value of around $22.7 million in the final year of his previous contract this past season.
Spotrac estimates Jones’ market value at an average annual salary of roughly $28.4 million, though he could certainly take a discount to remain with the Chiefs and help keep their core of players together.
Discount or not, Jones is certainly poised to cash in and be rewarded for his consistent contributions in Kansas City this offseason.
He and the Chiefs will then pursue the first three-peat in NFL history this upcoming season. The New England Patriots came close with three titles in four years from 2002 through 2005, a feat the Dallas Cowboys also attained from 1993-96. The Pittsburgh Steelers also won four in six years from 1975-80.
KEEP READING: Chris Jones Emphasizes Chiefs’ Difficult Postseason Journey to Super Bowl 58
Still, Kansas City has a chance to be the first team with three straight Super Bowl wins and would certainly be helped in that endeavor by Jones’ return.
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