The details of Chris Jones‘ new deal with the Kansas City Chiefs are out and the numbers are staggering for the veteran defensive tackle. The star defender signed for five years, $158.75 million, making him the highest-paid defensive tackle in the league. He’s going to average $31.75 million per year, which surpasses the $31.67 million average Aaron Donald received in his deal in 2022.
Jones is receiving $30 million upfront via a signing bonus, and his first-year salary of $1.25 million is fully guaranteed. Following the 2024 season, he’ll receive $15 million as a roster bonus for 2025, and his base is $13.75 million, which is fully guaranteed.
Overall, the new deal for Jones includes $95.3 million in practical guarantees, which is $300,000 more than Donald’s contract with the Rams. The contract also has a potential out for Kansas City down the line as the tackle ages. For the final two years, which the team has an option on, the Chiefs are scheduled to pay Jones $28.5 million in 2027 and $33.5 million in 2028.
The former Mississippi State star is one of the best defenders in the NFL. He was named first-team All-Pro each of the past two seasons. Last year, Jones recorded 10.5 sacks. He had 15.5 sacks in 2022.
Jones has won three Super Bowls with the Chiefs and was named to the Pro Bowl each of the past five years. In addition to a pair of first-team All-Pro honors, he has also been named second-team All-Pro three times. He went in the second round of the 2016 NFL draft at No. 37 overall and has spent his entire career with the Chiefs to this point.
More on the 2024 NFL offseason, free agency
The NFL 2024 calendar year begins at 4 p.m. ET on March 13. At that time, contracts running through 2023 officially run out, making those players free agents. Prior to the beginning of free agency, teams will have a chance to designate one franchise or transition tag player, starting on Feb. 20 at 4 p.m. ET and ending on March 5. Beginning March 11 through March 13 teams can enter into a legal negotiation with players who will become unrestricted free agents.
In addition to NFL free agency, the new year also marks the beginning of all trades being made official by the league office. April 19 marks the deadline to sign restricted free agents to offer sheets. On April 24, the deadline for teams to match restricted free agent offers sheets hits. Following the restricted free agent deadline follows the 2024 NFL Draft, which runs from April 25-27.
More must-reads: