NFL Rumors: Chiefs, Chris Jones’ Agent to Discuss New Contract After Scouting Combine

Scott Polacek@@ScottPolacekFeatured Columnist IVFebruary 25, 2024

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The Kansas City Chiefs’ ability to re-sign defensive lineman Chris Jones could be the determining factor in their quest to win a third straight Super Bowl, but the two sides reportedly still have to close some ground in future contract discussions.

“He says he wants to retire a Chief, he ain’t going nowhere,” ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler said on Sunday’s SportsCenter. “Well, we’ll see. They got to pay up. We’re talking about probably the premier player in all of free agency. He’s only 29 years old still, so somebody would gladly pay him $25-$30 million a year, some absurd number. The Chiefs have to find a way to step up but they’re planning to talk at the end of the Scouting Combine with Jones’ agent.”

Jones made no secret that he plans on returning to the reigning champions when he yelled as much during the Super Bowl rally:

NFL @NFL”I AIN’T GOING NOWHERE, BABY!” – @StoneColdJones pic.twitter.com/qtU3Jmgq84

Kansas City needs Jones back considering he anchors its defense as a dominant presence in the middle of the line who consistently draws double teams and makes life much easier for his teammates.

He also produces as a three-time Super Bowl champion, five-time Pro Bowler and two-time First Team All-Pro selection.

Jones posted 44 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 15.5 sacks, four passes defended, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery during the 2022 campaign and then followed with 30 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks and four passes defended during the past season.

As Fowler noted, he is still at an age where he will command a significant contract, and other teams would surely jump at the chance to sign him if the Chiefs don’t.

He sat out Kansas City’s Week 1 loss to the Detroit Lions this past season with a contract holdout, but both sides would likely prefer to avoid such a fate this time around.