NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reported that the Kansas City Chiefs will retain defensive tackle Chris Jones with a franchise tag worth an estimated $19.7 million in 2024. Aside from that amount, he will also get $4.25 million in incentives from last season’s performance.
Jones and the Chiefs are coming off a victory in Super Bowl 58 against the San Francisco 49ers. It’s their third Super Bowl title in five seasons. They also became the first back-to-back Super Bowl champions since the 2003-04 New England Patriots.
Sources: The #Chiefs have picked up the option on All-Pro DT Chris Jones’ contract, retaining the right to franchise tag him and paying him $4.25M he earned in incentives.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 16, 2024
It was more timing than anything, as Jones was due the money, regardless. If not tagged, he’ll be free. pic.twitter.com/PjQuKNVrto
However, the partnership between the two parties wasn’t promising to begin the 2023 season. Jones held out from training camp in hopes of getting a contract extension. He stayed away from the team until their season opener against the Detroit Lions.
After that loss, Jones and the Chiefs agreed to a one-year restructured deal worth $19.5 million with an option to tag him in 2024. He compensated the Chiefs by becoming a Pro Bowler and a First Team All-Pro member after finishing with 10.5 sacks, 30 tackles, 29 quarterback hits, and four passes defended in 16 games.
During last season’s Super Bowl, Jones made a critical third-down play, which limited the 49ers to a field goal. The Chiefs wrapped up another Super Bowl title in the next possession via a three-yard touchdown pass from Patrick Mahomes to Mecole Hardman Jr.
Jones played his entire career with Kansas City after the Chiefs selected him in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft. After getting drafted, the team gave him a four-year, $6.2 million contract.
During the 2020 offseason, the Chiefs offered him a $16.1 million franchise tag. It was more of a placeholder as both parties agreed to a four-year, $80 million extension.
Meanwhile, he received a $1 million incentive each for playing 35 and 50 percent of the snaps last season. Jones received an additional $1.25 million for reaching ten sacks and another million for becoming a First Team All-Pro and a Super Bowl participant.
Spotrac reveals that he could have earned an additional $500,000 if he reached 15 sacks in 2023. He could also be $2 million richer if the Chiefs won Super Bowl 58 while he became Defensive Player of the Year, which Myles Garrett won.
-Lance Fernandez