Are Signs Positive For Chiefs Getting Chris Jones Deal Done?

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The Kansas City Chiefs did not have many possible candidates to receive a new contract extension this offseason. Though, the one name that was a clear option is an extremely prominent player. That would be defensive tackle Chris Jones. Recently, we looked into how negotiations may be different this time around, compared to the last time Jones received an extension. We will soon look to map out what possible contract details could look like on this next signing.

Chris Jones is coming off of a career season. His 2022 campaign made him a top finalist for Defensive Player of the Year, even though he did not walk away with the award. Therefore, it was not all that surprising to see Jones miss mandatory minicamp recently. Despite that, are there actually positive signs to point towards, regarding a potential Chris Jones contract extension?

Recent comments made by Kansas City general manager Brett Veach are certainly encouraging. Other reports create a bit of an expectation that the timing of a deal could be soon. Let’s kick it off.

Veach Feeling Good About Negotiations

Veach was asked about the negotiations surrounding Chris Jones following his absence from mandatory minicamp. Overall, the Chiefs general manager appears to be highly encouraged in a deal getting signed relatively soon. Veach was clear to point out items like communication when discussing this topic.

“We have great communication and there’s a lot of time before camp. (I) feel good about where we’re going to be with Chris,” Veach said. “I’m sure we’ll have great dialogue from now to the start of training camp and look forward to Chris being here not just for next year, but for a long time.”

Veach has mentioned time and time again the relationship that the team and Jones have together. His leadership and words of wisdom are so crucial for younger defensive teammates, given that he is now an elder statesman on the team, so to speak. That aspect means just as much to Kansas City, as his overall production. As a result, there is encouragement to take away from Veach’s comments. It was also not that long ago that head coach Andy Reid expressed optimism in Chris Jones being at training camp, despite missing mandatory minicamp.

When Could A Deal Be Announced?

Deadlines can spur action and deals. While Chris Jones does not have a hard deadline to meet for a contract extension, like say a franchise tagged player does, the timing of training camp will be vital. Obviously, Veach and Jones’ representatives will continue to hammer out details in the four weeks left until training camp opens. Yet, another recent report indicates that a contract extension may come for Jones before camp officially opens.

“Kansas City has worked to keep its superstars- Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and Jones- happy, and there’s no reason to believe they won’t keep that going with their havoc-wreaking defensive tackle at the end of his second contract.” This is something that Albert Breer wrote on Sports Illustrated on Monday. This is a situation that appears to be when, not if, the Chiefs will get a contract extension done with Chris Jones. From Breer’s perspective he believes that does ultimately come before the beginning of training camp in mid-July.

Who Signs First?

A possible hiccup in the negotiations likely surrounds the idea of resetting the defensive tackle market. It seems like there are only two players that are close to doing that at this position. And it will be very soon, to boot. Will it be Chris Jones that resets the defensive tackle market? If it is not him, Quinnen Williams of the New York Jets will likely be the one to do so.

Essentially, whoever gets a deal done first between these two may only reset the market for a brief period of time. That could then allow the other name to narrowly top the other, in terms of salary. There is no denying the importance of each player to their respective defense. The clear expectation is that both will get massive contract extensions this offseason. However, which of these two players signs first will likely be the greatest sticking point, when it comes to the timing of a deal.

Be on the lookout for more FPC Chiefs articles and analysis throughout this week. For more great sports and NFL content, stay tuned to Full Press Coverage.

– Braden Holecek is the Kansas City Chiefs managing editor for Full Press Coverage. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @ebearcat9//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js Follow @FPC_Chiefs//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js and Facebook.