The Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs and defensive star Chris Jones have agreed to the framework of a five-year contract that includes $95 million guaranteed and keeps the All-Pro defensive tackle off the free agent market.
The deal makes Jones the highest-paid defensive tackle in NFL history, and fans had plenty to say about it on social media.
NFL World Reacts to Historic Chris Jones Contract
According to Jones’ agents, Katz Brothers Sports, Jones and the Chiefs reached an agreement on a record-breaking five-year deal. The specific details are still being finalized, but Jones will sign the deal, with all of the money in the first three years ($95 million) guaranteed.
The deal is coming off of the heels of Justin Madubuike signing a massive four-year, $98 million deal with the Baltimore Ravens. Jones will be passing Madubuike ($24.5 million per year) and Aaron Donald ($31.67 million per year) as the two highest-paid defensive tackles in the NFL by average per year.
Jones made several posts on his X account after the announcement was made.
“Letssss gooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!” he posted.
“KC….5 more years of greatness! 3x,” he posted shortly after.
KC….5 more years of greatness! 3x pic.twitter.com/gds8ecwCmJ
— Chris Jones (@StoneColdJones) March 10, 2024
Chiefs fans were thrilled to hear the news.
“Chief for life! You’ll go down as one of the greatest Chief and NFL players in history.” One fan said in reply to Jones’ post.
“3-peat confirmed,” another replied.
“In the end, we’re going to be so glad to never see Chris Jones play for anyone else. An all-time legacy will always be an all-time Chief,” another user said.
Plenty of Chiefs players also reacted to the news, with quarterback Patrick Mahomes posting a smiley face in reaction to the announcement.
— Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) March 10, 2024
“He bacccckkkkkk!!!!” posted safety Justin Reid.
“@StoneColdJones Congratulations Bludda! Well Deserved!!!!” said DT Mike Pennel.
Many believe the money is well-earned for Jones, who is coming off another strong season for the Chiefs with 10.5 sacks.
“It’s big money for KC and Chris Jones. Anyone who watched the Chiefs defense knows he’s worth it. Jones bet on himself and it paid off,” said NFL insider Ian Rapoport.
“We can sit here and hmm and hah over the contract and what it’s worth. The reality is Chris Jones is the best player at his position and has been the best over the last 3 years. DT age better than most positions. Keep the core 3 together and build around them,” another user chimed in.
Jones was a second-round pick in 2016 and has since become one of the best players in the NFL as a whole. He’s a three-time Super Bowl champion, two-time first-team All-Pro, three-time second-team All-Pro, and five-time Pro Bowler.
In his career, Jones has made 273 tackles, 75.5 sacks, and 12 forced fumbles. He also holds the NFL record for most consecutive games with a sack (11).
KEEP READING: 2024 NFL Top 100 Free Agent Rankings
Jones was one of two major free agents that the Chiefs needed to sort out. He was alongside cornerback L’Jarius Sneed, who was one of the better man-coverage corners in the 2023 season. With Jones’ deal as the priority, the Chiefs franchise tagged Sneed and gave him permission to seek a trade.
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