Report: KC Chiefs Pick Up Contract Option on DT Chris Jones

As expected, Kansas City is picking up an option on their star DT's deal to retain some time and flexibility.

The Kansas City Chiefs' offseason list of priorities contains plenty of items, but figuring out their situation with defensive tackle Chris Jones is at or near the top.

Jones, a projected free agent, held out last offseason and through Week 1 of the 2023-24 regular season. He later returned to the team on a new one-year deal, allowing him to earn incentives to make up for what he lost during the holdout. The two-time All-Pro ended up hitting several of those benchmarks, which are now coming around to be paid by the team.

A Friday afternoon report from Ian Rapoport of NFL Network indicates that Kansas City picked up an option on Jones's contract. In the process, the team will pay $4.25 million in incentives and retain its right to franchise tag Jones soon. It's a formality of a decision.

Sources: The #Chiefs have picked up the option on All-Pro DT Chris Jones’ contract, retaining the right to franchise tag him and paying him $4.25M he earned in incentives.

It was more timing than anything, as Jones was due the money, regardless. If not tagged, he’ll be free. pic.twitter.com/PjQuKNVrto

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 16, 2024

With this procedural move, the Chiefs now have until Feb. 21 to reach an agreement on a new Jones contract before the cap charge for the incentives hits prior to a re-sign scenario. Joel Corry of CBS Sports, a former agent, explains further on his X account. 

Beginning on Feb. 20, Kansas City can place the franchise tag on Jones. Once signed (if applied), that would put the team on the hook for just over $32M in money allocated to Jones for the 2024-25 campaign. Should the Chiefs use the tag on Jones, they'd provide themselves a longer window to iron out an extension but could be responsible for the entire charge if a deal isn't reached by July's deadline. The benefit is the added leeway and the prevention of Jones entering free agency. March 5 at 4:00 p.m. is the deadline for a tag decision. 

If a new deal isn't reached by Feb. 21 and the Chiefs don't tag Jones, the $4.25M in incentives kicks in and he hits the free agent market when the new league year begins. During the legal tampering period from March 11-13 and then officially from March 13 on, he'd be free to advance in contract discussions with opposing teams. Jones figures to have plenty of suitors if he's a free agent, which could complicate the Chiefs' chances of bringing him back.

Speaking on stage at the Chiefs' Super Bowl LVIII parade and rally, however, Jones struck a very positive tone when discussing a return to chase a third championship in a row:

"I need three of those things, baby!" Jones said. "We ain't done yet! We ain't done yet! Kansas City, we will be back here next year. And for those who want Chris Jones gone, I ain't going nowhere baby! I will be here this year, next year and the year after."

Consider the option as merely an expected move and a necessary step along Kansas City's journey with Jones. The real decisions come with the tag deadline and, potentially, free agency. If Jones is a Chief next season, this will have been the first move that paved the way for it to happen. 

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