Does the Patrick Mahomes deal help Chiefs keep Chris Jones?

The Chiefs avoided a potential conflict by signing Patrick Mahomes, but what about Chris Jones?

The Chiefs celebration in signing Patrick Mahomes to a 10-year extension will have to be a brief one, as Chris Jones looming holdout could serve as a major distraction come training camp.

Jones tweeted last week he might take a page out of Le’Veon Bell’s book and not report until he receives a long-term contract, despite the fact he’s set to earn nearly $16 million on the franchise tag.

With Mahomes in tow, that should signal to Jones he’s next in line. While Mahomes’ deal on the surface suggests the Chiefs will have less money to spend on Jones, it’s not that simple.

Can the Chiefs still afford Chris Jones after Patrick Mahomes’ contract extension?

Mahomes extension doesn’t kick in until 2022, so he’s still under contract for just over $5 million in 2020, and $24 million in 2021. That value will increase exponentially in 2022, and even more moving forward assuming the salary cap keeps going up year-over-year.

If Jones were open to a short-term deal, the Chiefs would surely jump at the opportunity, but that may not be the case. What Mahomes’ extension does do is give the Chiefs a better idea of what their future holds financially. That is, if they are to dish out a lucrative extension to Jones, is it feasible to give that much percentage of the salary cap to two players.

Mahomes’ salary may take up nearly a quarter of the Chiefs cap space, depending on how much it increases year-over-year. While there’s a reason so many teams have been winning Super Bowls with their franchise quarterbacks on rookie contracts, none of those players were as talented as Mahomes.

Surrounding him with talent is essential, especially at a premium position like pass-rusher.

Jones is just 26 years old and has 24.5 sacks combined over the last two seasons. If there is a deal to be done, the Chiefs now have the peace of mind to find it.