Chiefs Rumors: Chris Jones responds to contract critics
After Chris Jones signed a one-year deal to return to the Kansas City Chiefs, football fans had one common sentiment -- Jones holdout was for nothing. Essentially, Jones was fined over $3 million and missed his team's first game all for incentives. On paper, it doesn't make a whole lot of sense, and leaves some (myself included) wondering what his agent was thinking. Jones, however, still has faith.
Got it all back!
— Chris Jones (@StoneColdJones) September 11, 2023
Well, that's not completely correct by Jones. He'll get his salary back and then some assuming he can hit a few contract incentives. I wrote a summary of Jones' deal this morning, detailing why he lost the negotiations:
"Chris Jones wanted Aaron Donald money, or so we were told, along with a long-term deal that guaranteed him a home in Kansas City well into his 30's. He didn't receive any of that, instead getting a chance to reach incentives that would also benefit the team. Jones lost whatever leverage and good will he had with the fanbase when he showed up to the Chiefs season-opening loss to the Lions, and sat in a suite. In that game, KC's Jones-less defense held Detroit to 14 points, with one of the Lions touchdowns coming off an interception return."
Per reports, Jones can receive incentives nearing $3.5 million if he plays 50 percent of the team's downs and registers 10 sacks.
New details for Chris Jones deal. Base salary the same (minus lost game check). $1M for 35 percent playing time. Another $1M for 50 percent playing time. $1.25M for 10 sacks. Another $500K for 15 sacks. $1M for 1st team All-Pro and Super Bowl appearances. $2M for DPOY and SB win.
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) September 12, 2023
A player like Jones can certainly reach those marks, but it's not easy. Right now, Jones is operating at a near $3.6 million deficit.