Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid expressed his team’s desire to retain defensive lineman Chris Jones during his end-of-season press conference on Tuesday. Reid emphasized the organization’s eagerness to bring back Jones, acknowledging that negotiations between the team and the player would need to take place.
Reid stated, “Yeah, listen, I think [general manager Brett Veach] has said it before: we’d love to have him back, and they’ve just got to work all that out.” He also indicated that efforts would likely be made by both parties to reach an agreement.
Jones, a veteran of eight NFL seasons, has been a cornerstone of the Chiefs’ defense, earning Pro Bowl honors five times and All-Pro recognition twice during his tenure with the team. His contract with the Chiefs, a four-year deal worth $80 million signed in 2020, has now reached its final year.
In the previous offseason, Jones opted to hold out from participating in all team activities and training camp in pursuit of a more lucrative contract. Despite missing the season opener against the Detroit Lions, he eventually returned after one week and agreed to a restructured one-year deal valued at up to $25 million.
Looking ahead, the Chiefs have the option to utilize the franchise tag on Jones for the 2024 season, albeit at a hefty cost of $32.4 million. However, securing a multi-year contract remains the preferred outcome, especially considering Jones’s significant contributions to the field.
In the 2023 season, Jones showcased his impact with 29 quarterback hits and 10.5 sacks. Notably, his pressure on San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy during the Super Bowl prevented a potential touchdown pass to Jauan Jennings, showcasing his pivotal role in critical game situations.
As negotiations unfold, it remains evident that Jones’ value to the Chiefs extends beyond statistics, with his presence playing a key role in the team’s success, including four AFC titles and three Super Bowl victories.
With another championship under his belt in Kansas City, Jones is poised for a substantial contract, whether it be with the Chiefs or elsewhere.
