Insider Reveals Chiefs’ Massive Contract Offer to Chris Jones

In just under a week, the 2023 regular season opener will witness the Kansas City Chiefs squaring off against the Detroit Lions. What has recently come to light is the contract offer that the Chiefs have extended to the All-Pro defensive tackle, Chris Jones.

Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio has meticulously dissected the monetary proposition that the Chiefs have put forward for Jones, who has been seeking a new contract ever since the mandatory minicamp back in June.

“As per a source well-versed in the matter, the Chiefs have proposed to substitute the $19.5 million that Jones was set to earn in 2023 with a staggering $74 million spread over the upcoming three years. Out of this sum, an impressive $70 million would be safeguarded against injuries, with a slightly lower but still substantial amount fully guaranteed,” Florio reported on September 2.

Such a contract would ensure that Jones pockets an impressive $24.6 million annually, ranking him second only to the Los Angeles Rams’ Aaron Donald in the NFL salary hierarchy, as per Over The Cap’s data.

Florio also revealed that there exists a middle ground between Donald’s contract and the one offered by Kansas City, which Jones is reportedly open to considering.

“Jones, as we have learned, isn’t endeavoring to match Donald’s astronomical figures. In fact, he would be satisfied with a division,” Florio disclosed. “The midpoint between the Chiefs’ offer and Donald’s contract is $28.17 million.”

In simpler terms, instead of opting for the $95 million three-year deal, which is on par with Donald’s, Jones would settle for $84.5 million spread across the same duration,” Florio further elaborated.

The Chiefs’ General Manager, Brett Veach, expressed optimism regarding Chris Jones’ return to the team for the season opener while addressing the media on August 30. Jones had been placed on the Active/Did Not Report list at the start of the regular season.

“Listen, we are certainly hopeful for his return. We have maintained communication, and in fact, over the past few days, our exchanges have intensified,” Veach stated during his press conference. “We are committed to moving forward and exerting effort. There’s mutual respect on both sides of the table. It’s no secret how highly we regard Chris Jones, and he shares the same sentiment. Once again, we will continue to strive toward a resolution, looking ahead to next Thursday with the hope that he will be in the lineup, ready to contribute.”