Chiefs Lock up Chris Jones With Massive Contract Extension: Report

Getty Chiefs defender Chris Jones.

All’s well that ends well in Kansas City. According to Adam Schefter, the Kansas City Chiefs and defensive tackle Chris Jones have agreed to a new four-year contract extension valued at $85 million. The deal includes $60 million in guarantees.

A 2016 second round draft pick out of Mississippi State, Jones was an integral part of the Chiefs’ Super Bowl-winning year. During the big game, he put pressure on San Francisco 49ers QB Jimmy Garoppolo, forcing him to throw an interception in the second quarter.

During his rookie campaign, Jones was named second-team All-Pro in after recording 15.5 sacks. This last season, he racked up total nine sacks and 36 tackles in 13 regular-season games. In 61 career games, Jones has 33 sacks, 2 interceptions and 7 forced fumbles to his name. He also led the team in sacks in each of the last two years. Jones was selected to his first Pro Bowl last year, too.

Jones Previously Vowed to Sit Out If Deal Wasn’t Finalized

The 26-year-old was franchise-tagged back in March. Had both sides failed to reach agreement ahead of the 4 p.m. July 15 deadline, he would have earned $16.1 million this upcoming season. Just two weeks ago, Jones insinuated he wouldn’t play unless he and the Chiefs agreed to a new deal.

Looks like all of Chiefs Kingdom can breathe a collective sigh of relief.

This news comes just a week after Kansas City signed quarterback Patrick Mahomes to a $503 million megadeal through 2031. Though not as lucrative as No. 15, Jones easily becomes one of the highest-paid defensive players in the NFL. In fact, he’ll earn practically half of his paycheck up front.

Of the $80 million, 47% of the money ($37.626 million) is fully guaranteed at signing, per Pro Football Talk. About 70% ($55.75 million) is functionally guaranteed by the second year of the agreement. By April 2021, Jones is estimated to take home $37 million or nearly half of the full value of the deal. Furthermore, Jones has potential to rake in an additional $1.25 million per season in sack incentives, giving the agreement a maximum value of $85 million.

In an offseason uprooted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chiefs have been one of the more active teams despite for the most part canceling in-person meetings. With an uncertain season on the horizon, the top priority was always to build a team around the franchise guy, while also retaining some money to bring in new faces. With 20/22 of Kansas City’s starters returning, it’s safe to say that head coach Andy Reid is serious about bringing a third title to Arrowhead Stadium.

There’s always been debate about who could be the next dynasty not only in the AFC, but also the league. Though the Baltimore Ravens are building the foundation to become that, looks as though the Chiefs have taken a gigantic leap in becoming the new team to beat and the most desirable side to play for.

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