Chris Jones and the Kansas City Chiefs agreed on a one-year deal. The updated contract ends his long-standing holdout just a few days after the Chiefs fell to the Lions 21-20 to open the NFL season Thursday. What does his arrival mean for Kansas City?
Chris Jones Ends Holdout With Reworked One-Year Deal
Jones was due to make $19.5 million in base salary in 2023, the final year of his previous deal. But the Chiefs elite defensive tackle wanted a significant pay raise that would be more akin to the top defensive players in the NFL. His $20 million base was nearly $10 million under that.
Chris Jones still has one year left on his deal with the Chiefs, no new years were added to his contract, but he received multiple incentives to earn considerably more money this season, per sources. https://t.co/BTGEcHDWzn pic.twitter.com/dJUIEn8GH6
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 11, 2023
With the $20 million base in mind, the new number is likely to approach $25 million or more on a new incentive-laden deal. Although the Chiefs’ defense survived against a Lions team that produced some massive run outings a season ago, the team’s long-term future needed him in it.
But that’s not all. Jones forfeited $500,000 in workout bonuses, $1.1 million in the Week 1 game check, and another $2 million for missing training camp. That puts his losses at approximately $3.6 million.
What the Deal Means for the Chiefs Defense
It means everything. Jones is the straw that stirs Steve Spagnuolo’s drink. His alignment versatility and his dominance in every single gap on the defensive front make him a ghost. While he plays a majority of his snaps inside of the tackle, some of his greatest pass-rushing production comes from physically dominating OTs who aren’t used to playing against power.
But his value is multi-dimensional. He’s one of the best players in the entire league, and that reputation comes with extra attention from offensive linemen and quarterbacks.
The Chiefs are outclassed on the defensive line by Buffalo, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and other AFC contenders. But having Jones present makes the jobs of George Karlaftis, Mike Danna, Derrick Nnadi, and others easier.