Kansas City Chiefs HC Andy Reid opens up on Chris Jones' contract situation before free agency even starts
This season was as storybook as it gets, as the Kansas City Chiefs struggled all year but continued their run of winning Super Bowl titles to claim the title of a dynasty. But every story has to end eventually.As for the Chiefs, this one ended on Tuesday. The story doesn't end, but the season is […]
This season was as storybook as it gets, as the Kansas City Chiefs struggled all year but continued their run of winning Super Bowl titles to claim the title of a dynasty. But every story has to end eventually.
As for the Chiefs, this one ended on Tuesday. The story doesn't end, but the season is over. They will attempt to keep the story going next season, going for a three-peat, the thing no team has ever been able to do.
Before they do that, though, they have quite a few things to address this offseason, one of the biggest being what they will do in free agency. They have players on the team now who expect to be paid and other players they should try to pursue. But there is no more polarizing topic than what will happen with All-Pro defensive tackle.
"Veach has said it before: we would love to have it back, but they have to work all that back. I think the effort will be there in both parts," Reid said during his Zoom press conference on Tuesday.
According to A to Z Sports' Free Agency Projections, Chris Jones is the No. 2 ranked free agent in this class behind Kirk Cousins. He is projected to get four years, $110 million, $27.5 million APY, and $65 million fully Guaranteed. Here is the excerpt regarding what the offseason will look like for Jones from A to Z Sports.
Jones will be 30 in 2024, but he's still a force multiplier at a premium position where most players are not capable of rushing the passer consistently. With the recent extensions of Daron Payne, Jeffery Simmons, and Dexter Lawrence, all clearing $22.5 million APY, Jones is now set up to give himself a substantial raise over the $20 million/year he was earning on his last deal. Jones will likely be looking to come within the ballpark of Donald's record-setting $31,667,666 APY deal, which currently sits 32% higher than the next closest deal. He won't get it. But look for him to nestle his next contract right in between those two at around $27.5 million per year.
The Chiefs would love to bring back Jones, but they also have a similar situation with L'Jarius Sneed, who just had an insane contract year as one of the best cornerbacks in the league, if not the best.
The Chiefs will have to find a way to keep them both for cheap or keep just one. It won't be easy, but it's clear they want things to work with Jones, who had a stellar fourth quarter and overtime in the Super Bowl.
Chiefs’ Chris Jones in awe over the Raiders’ facilities during Super Bowl week in Las Vegas
The Chiefs and 49ers are in two for the Super Bowl.
