Here’s what Brett Veach, Andy Reid say about Chris Jones’ new deal with the Chiefs
Chris Jones’ stay in Kansas City — with the organization that drafted him — is officially extended.
On the final day to reach a long-term agreement with players who had received the franchise tag, the Chiefs made official their contract extension with Jones.
The team did not reveal the terms of the contract, but a source told The Star on Tuesday it’s a four-year deal worth up to $85 million, with $60 million in total guarantees, making Jones one of the league’s top-paid interior defensive lineman. ESPN first reported the news.
The agreement bypasses a one-year reservation secured with the franchise tag. If the two sides had not reached a deal before Wednesday, they would not have been permitted to return to negotiations until after the 2020 season.
Across the NFL, 12 teams did not reach long-term contracts with franchise tagged players.
“I’d like to thank Chris and his representatives, Jason and Michael Katz, for their efforts in getting this deal done,” Chiefs general manager Brett Veach said in a statement. “Chris is an elite defensive tackle in our league, and there is no better example of that than his impact in our Super Bowl LIV victory. He’s a passionate player and guy who loves Kansas City. He wanted to be here with us, and it was a priority for us to keep him here. We’re really excited to lock him up for years to come.”
Jones, who turned 26 earlier this month, has 33 sacks in his first four seasons with the Chiefs. He received his first Pro Bowl nod last season. He batted down three passes in the Chiefs’ Super Bowl win.
The Chiefs drafted Jones out of Mississippi State in 2016. He is a native of Houston, Mississippi.
“Chris is a player that is full of positive energy, and that enthusiasm carries throughout our entire locker room,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said in a statement. “He has the ability to make plays up front for us, which we’ve all seen plenty of times over the last four years. He’s come a long way since we drafted him and the best part is, he still has room to grow and learn. He’s earned this recognition, and I’m happy for him and his family.”
This story was originally published July 15, 2020 at 4:05 PM with the headline "Here’s what Brett Veach, Andy Reid say about Chris Jones’ new deal with the Chiefs."