The Kansas City Chiefs have secured a monumental deal with five-time All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones, as confirmed by his agents to ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Saturday night.
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While the specifics are still being ironed out, Jones is set to ink a five-year contract that guarantees an astounding $95 million within the first three years. This landmark agreement will catapult Jones to the top of the charts with the highest-ever average annual salary for a defensive tackle, eclipsing the likes of Nick Bosa ($34 million), Aaron Donald ($31.6M), T.J. Watt ($28M), and Joey Bosa ($27M).
With a guaranteed $95 million, Jones will rank fourth among defensive players in terms of guaranteed money on a current contract, according to the Roster Management System, trailing only Nick Bosa ($119.9M), Joey Bosa ($102M), and Myles Garrett ($102M).
Expressing his elation on social media, Jones exclaimed, “KC….5 more years of greatness! 3x.”
This pivotal move enables Kansas City to retain its defensive linchpin ahead of the looming free agency frenzy.
Jones, 29, engaged in lengthy negotiations with the Chiefs, culminating in a holdout from training camp last year and missing the season opener against the Detroit Lions. Returning on a revised one-year deal, he showcased his dominance with 10.5 sacks, earning first-team All-Pro honors, clinching his third Super Bowl victory, and securing his position as the highest-paid defensive tackle in NFL history based on average annual salary.
With coach Andy Reid, tight end Travis Kelce, and Jones all locked in, Kansas City sets its sights on making history as the first NFL team to secure three consecutive Super Bowl victories.
A second-round draft pick from Mississippi State in 2016, Jones enjoyed a career-high 15.5 sacks in 2018, replicating this feat in 2022.
Despite modest postseason sack numbers, Jones has demonstrated his game-changing abilities, evidenced by pivotal plays like deflecting passes in Super Bowl LIV against the San Francisco 49ers and applying significant pressure in Super Bowl LVIII against the same opponent.
The Chiefs have been proactive ahead of free agency, utilizing the nonexclusive tag on L’Jarius Sneed and securing linebacker Drue Tranquill to a lucrative three-year, $19 million deal, with $13 million fully guaranteed.