Andy Reid Breaks Silence as Chris Jones Returns to Preseason Training After $158M Contract Extension

The Chiefs Kingdom can breathe a sigh of relief as the drama surrounding veteran defensive tackle Chris Jones is finally over! After lengthy contract negotiations that went on for months, Jones played multiple tricks. Like missing out on training, ‘holding out’, and even pulling out of the game against the Detroit Lions last season did the inevitable.

The Kansas City Chiefs and five-time All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones signed his five-year contract worth $158 million. Post-signing, he became the highest-paid defensive tackle in NFL history based on his annual salary. With $95 million guaranteed over the next three years. Jones has surpassed the likes of Nick Bosa ($34 million), Aaron Donald ($31.6 million), T.J.Watt ($28 million) and Joey Bosa ($27 M). 

After securing the bag, Jones was quick to let his fans know by writing on X, “KC…..5 more years of greatness!3x.“ By confirming the news on his social media handle, Jones ended all speculations related to the contract negotiations. It was one of the longest-drawn sagas, which at one point even frustrated Andy Reid when he said, “I don’t know that. I’ll have to just see how that goes,”. Right now, Andy Reid would be the most relieved man in the Chiefs dug-out after hearing the news of the extension.

His strategy surrounding Chris Jones can finally be put into practice as the Chiefs aim for a three-peat. In a press conference after training camp, Andy was quick to point out the importance of Jones coming back. “Listen, Chris is one of the team captains, and so he’s been that now for the last couple of years. And so well respected, and to have him out here, he brings energy, you know. He’s fun out here, and I’m glad he’s here.”

Talking about Jones, his importance to the Chiefs side cannot be overlooked. Last season, the Chiefs recorded the second-fewest yards (289.8) and 17.3 points per game. Moreover, they were seventh in defensive DVOA, where Chris had 10.5 sacks and 13 tackles for loss in 16 games. However, for Kansas City, signing Jones to a long-term contract after holding out might prove a little expensive.

Chris Jones is hoping to repeat his last season’s training camp fiasco

Chris Jones was fortunate enough last season that his holding-out strategy did earn him a one-year revised deal. Even his performances coming back into the team weren’t questioned. The Chiefs further went on to secure their second consecutive Super Bowl title, with him winning his third. However, those antics might fail this time around, as Chris has already signed a lucrative deal. Chris has contacted Andy Reid, hoping to get a few days off from the training camp. “I’ve already been talking to Andy about, ‘Let me skip out on training camp. I’m a little older, right?” Jones conveyed to the Kansas City Star’s Jesse Newell.

But Reid has yet to reply to his request, to which Jones said, “He just looked at me, so the conversation is still ongoing.” Nonetheless, it remains to be seen whether Big Red sanctions his leave or revokes it as the Chiefs prepare for a nail-biting season. Jones could argue he was the best defensive player in the league last season. Thus, doing some light work and taking two days off or one day might not do much harm, or does it?