Chiefs' Jones inks 5-year deal to become highest-paid DT
The Kansas City Chiefs are re-signing star Chris Jones to a five-year deal that will keep him off the free-agent market and make him the highest-paid defensive tackle in league history, his agents told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
The full terms of the deal have yet to be disclosed, but Jones will receive $95 million in guarantees, average around $32 million per season, and earn almost $160 million over the lifetime of the contract, per Rapoport. The deal eclipses Los Angeles Rams star Aaron Donald's $31.6-million average.
Jones was adamant about returning to the Chiefs during the team's Super Bowl LVIII celebration last month.
"For those who want Chris Jones gone, I ain't going nowhere, baby!" Jones said.
The two-time first-team All-Pro missed training camp and the 2023 season opener due to a contract dispute. The two sides ultimately agreed to a one-year deal highly incentivized by bonuses.
Jones tallied 30 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, and 10.5 sacks during the 2023 regular season before capturing the third Super Bowl ring of his career.
The Mississippi native has spent the entirety of his eight seasons in the league with the Chiefs. Jones has tallied 78 tackles for loss and 75.5 sacks since Kansas City drafted him in 2016.
Kansas City retains one of the key pieces from its stellar defense. The Chiefs placed the franchise tag on star cornerback L'Jarius Sneed, and although the reigning champs continue to negotiate with him for a potential long-term deal, they're reportedly willing to entertain trade offers for the talented defensive back.