NFL Rumors: Chiefs stubborn attitude gets in way of Chris Jones extension

Per the latest NFL Rumors, the Kansas City Chiefs are unwilling to cross a certain threshold to make a Chris Jones extension happen. 

It’s unclear if Chris Jones does intend on becoming the highest-paid defensive tackle in football, but if that’s a goal of his, the Chiefs won’t play ball.

Jones remains a training camp holdout as he awaits a new deal. Brett Veach has made it clear that the team will not trade their star pass-rusher, but that instead cooler heads will prevail. Jones wants to play in Kansas City, and the Chiefs want to win another Super Bowl with Jones regularly applying pressure on the opposing quarterback.

Everyone can win here, but Jones may need to lower his expectations slightly.

Who is the highest-paid defensive tackle in the NFL?

Aaron Donald is the highest-paid DT in football, as his contract guarantees him $31.67 million annually, and $95 million overall. Quinnen Williams is second on that list, having signed a four-year, $96 million deal this offseason which guarantees him $66 million overall. A realistic landing spot for Jones is somewhere in between. Donald is the best defensive player in football, let alone at his position. While it’s Jones’ turn, the Chiefs are in consistent Super Bowl contention in part because of smart financial decisions.

NFL Rumors: Chiefs won’t cross this line for Chris Jones

Per Nate Taylor of The Athletic, Kansas City won’t make Jones the highest-paid player at his position.

“The Chiefs, according to a league source, are unwilling to make Jones the league’s highest-paid defensive tackle. The franchise, which has played in three of the last four Super Bowls, winning two, doesn’t have a single player who is the league’s highest paid at his position,” Taylor wrote.

Jones may be the league’s best interior pass rusher, but Kansas City doesn’t have a single player on its roster who is the highest paid at his position for a reason. Financial flexibility is key in building a dynasty.