Kansas City Chiefs and Pro Bowl defensive tackle Chris Jones reportedly agreed to a long-term deal. Adam Schefter of ESPN reported on Tuesday that Jones inked a four-year contract that could be worth up to $85 million.
Chiefs previously placed a franchise tag on Jones, and it seemed in recent weeks that the two sides are far apart from making an agreement. However, negotiations gained momentum in recent days and resulted in a new deal for the 26-year-old player.
While Chiefs haven’t made the official announcement, Jones confirmed the news on his social media.
According to Schefter, the base value of Chris Jones’ new deal is $80 million and includes $37 million up front and $60 million guaranteed for injury. Also, Jones can bag in an extra $5 million if he meets certain incentives.
Jones emerged as one of the best DTs in the league in recent years, earning Second-team All-Pro honors in 2018 and being selected to Pro Bowl last season. He racked up 136 tackles, 33.0 sacks, 20 pass deflections, two interceptions, and one touchdown since making his NFL debut in 2016.
By signing Jones to this massive extension, Chiefs are now the only NFL team that handed $60 million in guarantees to three of their players. The franchise signed defensive end Frank Clark to an extension with $62.3 million guaranteed last year, while also handing star quarterback Patrick Mahomes a 10-year extension with $140 million guaranteed in early July.
