The Kansas City Chiefs are no stranger to a contract saga when it comes to negotiations with defensive tackle Chris Jones. However, just days shy from NFL free agency, things don’t appear to be going well.
Kansas City placed the franchise tag on cornerback L’Jarius Sneed intending to re-sign Jones before he hit the open market. However, with the tampering period of NFL free agency opening on Monday, March 11 at 12:00 PM ET, the two sides don’t appear to be close to a deal.
- Chris Jones stats 2023: 29 quarterback hits, 13 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks
Related: Kansas City Chiefs generating massive interest in L’Jarius Sneed trade
Jones and the Chiefs have experienced prolonged contract negotiations in the past. The All-Pro defensive tackle sat out training camp and then missed Week 1 of the regular season this past year. After the season-opening loss to the Detroit Lions, the two sides agreed to a resolution by adding contract incentives to his deal with one year remaining.
Chiefs’ general manager Brett Veach stated re-signing Jones is the club’s top priority this offseason and the three-time Super Bowl champion told celebrating fans at the parade that he would return. At the very least, he now seems to be indicating time might be running out.
Related: Kansas City Chiefs free agent targets 2024
- Chris Jones career stats: 175 quarterback hits, 78 tackles for loss, 75.5 sacks
Kansas City can still negotiate with Jones after the tampering window opens on Monday, but that’s also when other NFL teams will get involved. At that point, Jones’ agent can use other offers as leverage in contract negotiations and if the Chiefs aren’t willing to improve their offer, he could bolt.
As for potential landing spots in NFL free agency, the Houston Texans, Las Vegas Raiders, Detroit Lions and Cincinnati Bengals could all be among Jones’ top suitors beginning Monday afternoon.
