There’s no question that today’s NFL is geared toward quarterbacks and the overall passing game. Even though Kansas City Chiefs All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones has never thrown a pass in his professional career, he may be seeking a contract that comes much closer to a QB’s salary than the average defensive lineman.
Jones, who’s choosing not to report to training camp as he campaigns for a long-term extension, is entering the final year of his contract with the Chiefs. The four-time Pro Bowler is coming off a fantastic season that saw him tally 15.5 sacks while finishing third in the Defensive Player of the Year voting.
While Jones is set to make $20 million this season, holding a $28.2M cap hit with the Chiefs, the 29-year-old wants some long-term financial security. After helping the franchise win two Super Bowls in the past three years, Jones has proven to be one of the team’s most integral parts of the roster.
Yet, for whatever reason, the front office and Jones’s agency have yet to find common ground during contract negotiations. Now we might have an idea why.
According to Nate Taylor of The Athletic, Jones is asking for a contract worth an average annual value of $30 million per season. This would make him the second-highest-paid DT in the NFL, only behind three-time Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald.
This is an enormous amount for any player. In fact, it’s not all that different than the cost of an average starting quarterback in the NFL. Sure, 14 of the league’s starters earn an average rate north of $30 million per season, but that means the other 18 starters make less per year than what Jones is demanding.
We’re not here to debate how much Jones is or isn’t worth. That’s up for the Chiefs to decide. Knowing they also already have Patrick Mahomes under contract for $45 million per season, seeing how much the front office values their best defensive player will be a fascinating scenario to watch play out.
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