Chiefs talking with Chris Jones’ agents this week
The Kansas City Chiefs are meeting with Chris Jones’ representation in Indianapolis this week, hoping to get a long-term deal done.
INDIANAPOLIS — Chris Jones is one of the NFL’s best players. The Kansas City Chiefs want to keep him in red.
On Tuesday, general manager Brett Veach spoke to media during his 15-minute session and was repeatedly asked about his star defensive tackle. Veach reiterated what FanSided reported last week, saying the preference is to sign Jones on a long-term deal, but the franchise tag remains an option if the two sides can’t agree. The tag window spans from Thursday through March 12.
Brett Veach gives an informative update on Chris Jones, including when the next meeting with his agent is scheduled pic.twitter.com/WdIT3qkr3x
— Matt Verderame (@MattVerderame) February 25, 2020
Jones, who is slated for unrestricted free agency on March 16, could command similar money to his teammate Frank Clark, who received a five-year, $104 million deal last April. Kansas City, which currently is projected to have $13.67 million in salary cap space, can clear more than $20 million more with releases of receiver Sammy Watkins, linebacker Damien Wilson and guard/tackle Cam Erving.
Should no deal be reached and talks hit a major snag, Veach also has the option of tagging Jones before trading him in the offseason. Last year, the Chiefs went down that road with Dee Ford, tagging the edge rusher before sending him to the San Francisco 49ers for a second-round pick.
Still, that would be a last resort for Veach. The Chiefs view Jones as one of their key talents on the defensive side along with Clark and All-Pro safety Tyrann Mathieu. Although it’s unorthodox to commit such funds to two defensive linemen, Kansas City is willing to buck the trend if it means keeping an elite player in house.