The Kansas City Chiefs had a rough regular season, facing problems and complaints. Not many people thought the team would have such a record-setting performance in the Super Bowl final. After Tom Brady’s New England Patriots, Chris Jones’ team became the latest team to win back-to-back Super Bowls, which is certainly an impressive feat.
Following the recent salary increase for Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs are now focusing on building the team’s future, particularly looking at the skilled defensive tackle.
Chiefs reportedly pick up contract option on DT Chris Jones
As Chris Jones sets his sights on securing a three-peat with the Chiefs and another run in Kansas City, the team is seemingly equally motivated to maintain their ties with the defensive lineman. Recent reports suggest that the Chiefs have opted to exercise the contract option on Jones, signaling their commitment to retaining his services for the upcoming season.
With the contract option now activated, the Chiefs have the flexibility to either apply the franchise tag or engage in negotiations for a new contract with Jones before the onset of free agency in March.
Amidst speculation about his future, Chris Jones remains a highly coveted asset for the Chiefs, with the projected franchise tag for a defensive tackle in 2024 standing at $19,753,000. His exceptional talent and contributions to the team make him an integral part of the Chiefs’ defensive lineup.
Nevertheless, the road to securing Jones’s commitment has not been without its challenges. During the offseason, Jones staged a holdout that lasted 51 days, citing dissatisfaction with his contract situation. As a result, he incurred significant fines for missing valuable practice sessions with the team.
Despite the initial hurdles, Chiefs coach Andy Reid expressed the team’s unwavering support for Jones but his absence extended to the regular-season opener against the Detroit Lions.
Nevertheless, the Chiefs eventually extended a one-year contract to Jones in September, signaling a resolution to their differences and paving the way for his return to the field. With his grievances addressed and a renewed focus on contributing to the team’s success, Jones later joined the squad, forgetting all his past grudges.
Chris Jones’s 2023–24 season: how was it?
During the 2023 season, Chris Jones’ defensive prowess recorded 20 solo tackles and 10.5 sacks, per ESPN. Despite not forcing any fumbles or interceptions, he consistently applied pressure on quarterbacks and made significant contributions to the Kansas City Chiefs defense throughout the season.
Throughout the intense showdown of Super Bowl LVIII against the 49ers, Jones remained a key contributor on the field. He tallied four combined tackles, with two solo tackles. Additionally, by generating six quarterback pressures, including a pivotal play on third-and-4 that compelled the 49ers to opt for a field goal, he proved his ability to thrive under pressure in crucial moments.
Meanwhile, his stellar performance during the 2023 season did not go unnoticed, as he earned $4.25 million in incentives.Â
