The Kansas City Chiefs are already taking the early steps towards defending their title as reigning Super Bowl champions, with the front office focused on keeping the dynasty alive. While many core players are already signed long-term, at least one reportedly wants a new contract.
Kansas City finds itself in a difficult spot financially entering the offseason. Orlando Brown Jr., Juan Thornhill, Mecole Hardman and JuJu Smith-Schuster are among the top NFL free agents. While the Chiefs want to bring some of them back, they are currently over the 2023 salary cap and even a few contract adjustments won’t erase all the challenges ahead.
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There are a few moves the front office can make to create some financial relief. Frank Clark is among the potential cap casualties and contract extensions for a number of impact starters would generate significant short-term financial relief for the franchise.
While the idea of addressing Patrick Mahomes’ contract or extending cornerback L’Jarius Sneed could be on the table, it’s another All-Pro selection who wants to become one of the highest-paid NFL players.
According to Nate Taylor of The Athletic, defensive tackle Chris Jones wants an extension that would make him at least the second-highest-paid defensive lineman in the NFL. It would be the starting point for negotiations, with him possibly wanting to reset the market for his position this offseason.
- Chris Jones stats (2022): 29 QB hits, 17 tackles for loss, 15.5 sacks
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There would be immediate benefits to adjusting Jones’ contact this spring. He is coming off the best season in his career, including a stretch where he played like the best defensive player in the NFL. If Jones isn’t on the field, Kansas City likely isn’t hoisting the Lombardi Trophy.
- Chris Jones contract: $28.29 million cap hit (2023), 2024 free agent
Jones currently carries a $28.29 million cap charge for the upcoming season, so a long-term extension would generate significant cap space for 2023. The Chiefs could provide him with a massive signing bonus, spreading out the hit from 224-’27 when they have a lot more cap space.
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Kansas City might feel more pressure to sign Jones now considering he will be a free agent in 2024. In terms of the asking price, Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald became the first defensive player in NFL history to sign a contract worth more than $30 million per season.
Considering Jones delivered a season similar to what Donald achieved at his peak, there’s a strong argument to be made that he earned a $30 million AAV. While there are a lot of difficult decisions looming for the Chiefs’ front office this spring, extending Jones shouldn’t be one of them.
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