The Kansas City Chiefs’ defensive tackle, Chris Jones, is anticipated to make his highly-awaited season debut against the Jacksonville Jaguars this Sunday. While fans eagerly await his return on the field, the offseason holds a significant promise of intrigue, especially surrounding Jones’ future with the Chiefs.
As recently reported, the revised agreement between Jones and the Chiefs, reached on Monday, does not include a provision that would prevent the team from utilizing their franchise tag on the All-Pro defensive tackle, sources have revealed. However, it appears that the Chiefs’ salary cap situation in 2024 might obstruct them from tagging Jones regardless.
If the Chiefs were to tag Jones after this season, the expected price tag would be an astronomical $32 million. Furthermore, Kansas City’s projected salary cap for the 2024 season leaves very little room for maneuvering, making it extremely challenging, if not impossible, for the Chiefs to clear sufficient cap space to tag Jones, based on an analysis of their contractual obligations. The organization would need to release or restructure the contracts of multiple players, a move that seems impractical and counterproductive.
Given the aforementioned circumstances, even if the Chiefs had the opportunity to tag Jones, it is highly unlikely that they would exercise it. Consequently, Jones seems poised to become an unrestricted free agent in 2024, granting him the opportunity to explore his options and potentially sign with a different team.
Despite the holdout that occurred earlier this summer, the Chiefs and Jones have maintained a strong relationship. A return to Kansas City should not be ruled out as Jones has expressed his genuine desire to remain with the team. Moreover, according to a source, the Chiefs still hold a high regard for Jones, even after the turbulent events of the summer.
Chiefs’ head coach, Andy Reid, addressed the situation during a recent press conference, stating, “Chris and I have talked. There wasn’t any personal thing going on there between us. It was just he made a business decision, that’s part of this thing. I’m old, so I’ve been through a lot of those, and those things happen. I’m able to separate it. I think he separated it. He’s back in and has a good attitude, ready to go.”
Reid’s comments shed light on the understanding between him and Jones, indicating that both parties have moved past the holdout and are focused on the upcoming games. The Chiefs recognize the significance of having Jones back on the field for Sunday’s matchup against the Jaguars, as well as for the rest of the season, as it will undoubtedly bolster their defense and improve their long-term prospects.
Jones is expected to be utilized primarily on passing downs and during critical defensive plays. Based on information from a league source, Jones could potentially see playing time ranging from 20 to 30 snaps against the Jaguars, depending on his fitness and readiness.
The Chiefs have also incorporated a series of incentives into Jones’ one-year contract. He stands to earn $1 million for participating in 35% of the defensive snaps and an additional $1 million for participating in 50% of snaps. Furthermore, Jones would receive $1.25 million for reaching 10 sacks, with an extra $500,000 for achieving 15 sacks. Additionally, if Jones is named a first-team All-Pro and the Chiefs make it to the Super Bowl, he would be awarded $1 million. Furthermore, he stands to earn an additional $2 million if he is named the Defensive Player of the Year and the Chiefs emerge victorious in the Super Bowl. Ultimately, Jones has the potential to earn a maximum of $6.75 million in incentives.
As Chris Jones prepares to make his season debut for the Kansas City Chiefs, the offseason poses several intriguing questions regarding his future. The revised agreement does not preclude the franchise tag, but financial constraints in 2024 are expected to make such a move unlikely. Nevertheless, Jones’ return to Kansas City cannot be ruled out due to the strong rapport he shares with the team. The Chiefs understand the importance of his presence on the field and are eager to capitalize on his abilities to bolster their defensive unit as they pursue their long-term goals.
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