Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones (white jacket) stands next to Patrick Mahomes and … [+] tells the crowd that he plans to return to the Chiefs for another season during their victory rally on Feb. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved At the parade commemorating the Kansas City Chiefs’ victory in Super Bowl LVIII, pending free agent Chris Jones declared: “I ain’t going nowhere, baby!”
At the time one wondered whether Jones had gotten caught up in the moment — or if he was speaking after one too many adult beverages. But his declaration turned out to be prophetic.
On Saturday night ESPN reported that the Chiefs re-signed their talented defensive lineman to a five-year deal that includes $95 million guaranteed.
That extension assures that Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and Jones will continue as the stalwarts of the Chiefs’ Super Bowl dynasty.
The other remaining offensive or defensive players from their initial Super Bowl LIV run in 2019 (offensive lineman Nick Allegretti, defensive lineman Derrick Nnadi, tight end Blake Bell, and wide receiver Mecole Hardman) are all free agents who might not return.
It’s also a testament to John Dorsey. As magnificent as general manager Brett Veach has been in manipulating the salary cap and putting pieces around those three stars, it was Veach’s predecessor, Dorsey, who drafted the trio.
Selected in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft, Jones developed into a five-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro. He has 75.5 career sacks, including 10.5 last year.
And he steps up at the biggest moments of the biggest games. In the Chiefs’ first win of the Super Bowl dynasty, he thwarted a San Francisco 49ers comeback by deflecting several passes in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl LIV.
In their most recent Super Bowl win against the 49ers, Jones pressured quarterback Brock Purdy on a third and 4 with 7:29 left in overtime, forcing the 49ers to settle for a field goal and opening the door for Mahomes to lead the game-winning touchdown drive on the ensuing series.
It’s why Jones was worthy of a record-breaking deal.
The specifics of Jones’ contract have not been released, but ESPN reported that Jones will have the highest average annual salary ever for a defensive tackle, surpassing that of three-time Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald, and Jones’ guaranteed $95 million would be the fourth most guaranteed money for a defensive player on a current contract behind Nick Bosa ($120 million), and Joey Bosa and Myles Garrett ($102 million).
Upon signing his previous extension, Jones, a noted basketball fan, said he wanted to remembered in history like the Michael Jordan-era Chicago Bulls had.
“It was the understanding that me and Pat have,” Jones said. “We both have the same goal: Create a dynasty and build something special.”
Jones is a centerpiece of that dynasty, which has won three Super Bowls in five years.
Other main figures have come and gone. (Tyreek Hill wanted too much money, Tyrann Mathieu lost a step with age and Mitchell Schwartz hurt his back.)
But the three pillars and potential NFL Hall of Famers remain. Mahomes is under contract through 2032, and the 34-year-old Kelce is under contract for two more years.
It’s why Veach said at the NFL Combine that re-signing Jones was a priority.
“We’ll get to work,” he said. “That’s certainly a guy we want back and love. We want to see him finish his career here in Kansas City.”
Mission accomplished.
