The Chiefs faced key decisions on two defensive stars from their Super Bowl-winning campaign during the 2024 NFL offseason. At least one of those decisions has been made.
L’Jarius Sneed and Chris Jones were each hitting free agency, and keeping both would prove challenging for the Chiefs. Each was expected to receive deals worth more than $20 million per season, but Kansas City had just over $23 million in cap space to start the offseason.
When the Chiefs franchise tagged Sneed, it was presumed Jones wouldn’t return to the team. Andy Reid and Chiefs general manager Brett Veach found a way to create some salary cap space, allowing Jones to rejoin the team.
Kansas City fans first got an indication of Jones’ return when the veteran defensive lineman made a cryptic post on X (formerly Twitter). The post included a picture of Jones and Reid, a screen that indicated he had an hour-long phone call and a caption that simply read, “KC……”
KC…… pic.twitter.com/yODPsrCYf7
— Chris Jones (@StoneColdJones) March 7, 2024
Many read that as a message to Chiefs fans that things were going well in Jones’ negotiations with the club.
Sure enough, Jones inked an extension shortly after his post. That will allow the 29-year-old defensive tackle to remain in Kansas City, his home since he was selected in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft.
Here’s a look at Jones’ contract extension and what it could mean for the Chiefs.
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Chris Jones contract details
Jones signed a five-year contract, which includes $95 million guaranteed, to return to the Chiefs for the 2024 NFL season and beyond. His contract makes him the highest-paid defensive tackle in NFL history in average annual value (AAV).
Chiefs and five-time Pro-Bowl DT Chris Jones reached agreement on a record 5-year deal that includes $95 million guaranteed and allows KC to keep its best defender before free agency begins, per his agents, @KatzBrosSports.
Deal is expected to be the highest average salary ever… pic.twitter.com/aRidQ0309z
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 10, 2024
The total value of Jones’ contract was not disclosed when his extension was announced, but he is expected to make more annually than Aaron Donald ($31.6 million AAV) and less annually than Nick Bosa ($34 million AAV), per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. That will make the deal worth $158 million to $170 million in total.
Jones made $19.5 million during the 2023 NFL season after he agreed to a restructured one-year contract with the Chiefs after their Week 1 loss to the Lions. Jones didn’t play in that 22-21 defeat because he was holding out from the team to get a new deal, and the Chiefs quickly realized his importance to their defense.
Jones played the previous four seasons for the Chiefs on a four-year, $80 million extension. He has career earnings of about $90.2 million, but his next deal will more than double that.
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Chris Jones stats
Jones is well worth the contract Kansas City is giving him. The Mississippi State product is one of the most consistent interior pass rushers in the NFL and frequently makes huge, winning plays for the Chiefs defense.
Notably, Jones had a key pressure on Brock Purdy during overtime in Super Bowl 58 to force the 49ers quarterback to throw the ball away. The 49ers settled for a field goal because of the pressure, and the Chiefs ultimately answered with a touchdown to win their second consecutive Super Bowl.
Jones can play both inside at defensive tackle and on the edge at defensive end, so his versatility is an added boost. He also is always productive and has averaged 11.2 sacks per season over the last six years.
Below is a look at Jones’ career stats:
Year Games Tackles TFL Sacks Pass defenses Forced fumbles 2016 16 45 5 2 4 0 2017 16 54 5 6.5 7 4 2018 16 75 19 15.5 5 2 2019 13 59 8 9 4 1 2020 15 59 3 7.5 4 2 2021 14 45 8 9 5 1 2022 17 74 17 15.5 4 2 2023 16 50 13 10.5 4 0
NFL’s highest-paid defensive players for 2024
Jones’ AAV is expected to rank second in the NFL among defensive players, per ESPN. Below is a look at the NFL’s highest-paid defenders for 2024, according to Spotrac.
Rank Player Team AAV 1 Nick Bosa 49ers $34 million 2 Chris Jones Chiefs $31.7-34 million (reported) 3 Aaron Donald Rams $31.7 million 4 T.J. Watt Steelers $28 million 5 Joey Bosa Chargers $27 million 6 Myles Garrett Browns $25 million 7 Montez Sweat Bears $24.5 million 8 Brian Burns Panthers $24.01 million Josh Allen Jaguars $24.01 million 10 Quinnen Williams Jets $24 million Rashan Gary Packers $24 million
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