The Chiefs, like every team, will undergo changes from 2023 to 2024. They will retain their most important players, one on each side of the ball.
Clearly, quarterback Patrick Mahomes isn't going anywhere. Defensive tackle Chris Jones could play.
On Saturday evening, he agreed to terms on a five-year deal. According to a source familiar with the situation, there are minor deal points that still need to be resolved.
Enough of the deal was done to prompt Jones' agents to announce that it would be him Highest-paid defensive tackle in NFL history.
That's important, because the league's top defensive tackle was short of Aaron Donald's three-year, $95 million deal two years ago (equivalent to $31.67 million annually). The closest anyone got was Ryan defensive tackle Justin Madubuike, who agreed to terms Friday on a four-year deal worth $24.5 million annually.
The details of Jones' deal will paint the full picture. What is the fully guaranteed amount upon signing? This is the most important factor, along with when and to what extent injury guarantees turn into full guarantees before a team can move on.
It's supposed to pay out $95 million guaranteed in the first three years, either.”completely“or”practically“, depending on which media outlet you believe. This matches Donald's deal. It could just be a three-year deal, with a few false years on the back end that would push the average beyond Donald's deal.
The real numbers will emerge eventually. Whatever the case, Jones won't move forward. He could have gone anywhere. It stays in place. That will help the Chiefs continue to compete for more championships, beyond the three they've won in the past five seasons — with Jones being the most important player on the team's defense, by far.
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