Chiefs DT Chris Jones peels back the curtains on contract negotiations after record-setting deal
From the moment that Chris Jones heard his name called and stepped on the stage at the 2016 NFL draft, he always knew that he never wanted to play for another organization. After a year-plus standoff, the Kansas City Chiefs finally gave him a contract to help him achieve that goal. "For me, that was […]
From the moment that Chris Jones heard his name called and stepped on the stage at the 2016 NFL draft, he always knew that he never wanted to play for another organization. After a year-plus standoff, the Kansas City Chiefs finally gave him a contract to help him achieve that goal.
"For me, that was the plan from the beginning," Jones told reporters on Tuesday. "Since (The Chiefs) drafted me, I never planned to play for another organization. Better yet, end a year with another organization after coming off a Super Bowl win. Deep down I felt like I was never leaving and I'm super appreciative of the Hunt family and the Chiefs organization for making sure I retire a Chief."
Did Jones ever encounter moments of doubt that this goal would be achieved? Absolutely. One thought selfishly struck him during the heat of the battle against the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII. He found himself wondering if he'd ever get to play another snap with his teammates again. They'd been through a lot together, some of them still holdovers from the Super Bowl LIV win against the San Francisco 49ers.
“Deep down I never had any plans to leave," Jones insisted. "I always figured something could be done. It was a year-long process of communicating with my team and the Chiefs and making sure that this thing gets done and a little patience on both ends. (I’m) super appreciative that we finally came together to do something long term for the both of us.”
What changes for Chris Jones now that he's signed to a long-term extension? Well, let's just say it's a weight lifted from his shoulders.
"No uncertainty playing on a one-year deal," Jones explained. "This year, there’s a little more security and longevity with that. I think that’s a plus on both sides. I think the organization knows how much I love Kansas City; the fans know how much I love KC. I said it at the parade, I’m standing by that. I had doubt at times, but I never once thought I’d be leaving the Chiefs organization.”
His drive and passion for the game also remain unchanged. While he's no longer pursuing a long-term contract extension, he's pursuing greatness that could see him end his career as one of the best defenders in both franchise and NFL history.
“Every year I just chase greatness," Jones said. "I don’t think (any) amount of money is going to change my love and passion for the game of football no matter how successful I’ll be. I’m always chasing greater heights. So, I think the Chiefs understand and see my perspective of the game and how much I love the game of football.”
What about the NFL insider who said that Jones could leave the Chiefs and join the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency? Was that ever a real possibility? Jones had to leave the Chiefs Kingdom with a little sense of mystery.
"I guess we'll never know," Jones said.
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