Reported details on Chiefs' offer for Chris Jones emerge amid contract impasse

As contract disputes continue between the Kansas City Chiefs and defensive tackle Chris Jones, details about the situation have emerged. Pro Football Talk dug into the situation to provide some isnight.

Rumors circulated that Jones was trying to surpass Aaron Donald’s deal — $31.67 million per year. Apparently, that’s not really the case. PFT reported on what is actually happening.

“Per a source with knowledge of the situation, the Chiefs have offered to replace the $19.5 million that Jones is due to earn in 2023 with $74 million over the next three years,” wrote Mike Florio. “Of that amount, $70 million would be guaranteed for injury, with a lower amount fully guaranteed.

“That’s an average of $24.67 million, and $7 million per year less than the Donald deal. Jones, we’re told, isn’t trying to get to Donald’s number. In fact, he’d split the difference.”

The 2023 season will be Jones’ eighth in the NFL, spending his entire career with the Chiefs thus far. He’s earned four Pro Bowl selections, receiving the honor each of the past four seasons. He’s also been part of both of Kansas City’s Super Bowl-winning teams.

Last year, Jones played in all 17 games for the Chiefs and tallied an impressive 15.5 sacks. He finished the year with 44 total tackles, four passes defended and two forced fumbles.

Jones has accounted for 243 stops and 65 sacks. He’s also forced 12 fumbles in his seven-year career in Kansas City. The defensive tackle is certainly worth a sizable contract.

The Chiefs are running out of time to come up with a resolution to get Jones on the field to start the season. A deal can be done at any time, true, but Kansas City opens the year in just a few days.

Kansas City hosts the Detroit Lions on Thursday, Sept. 7 to start the 2023 NFL regular season. Kickoff is set for 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC.

When it comes to a player of Jones’ caliber, it’s hard to imagine Kansas City won’t attempt to strike a deal. While the Chiefs are certainly more well-known for their offense, the defensive tackle has proven to be a key cog along the defensive line.

It should make for an interesting final week before the regular season kicks off. Will we see Jones in uniform when the Chiefs take the field against the Lions on Thursday? Or will this issue linger into Week 1?