NFL Incentives Tracker: Lamar Jackson Stands Between Chris Jones and $1 Million Bonus With Chiefs’ Super Bowl Chances on the Line

NFL enthusiasts are counting the days for Super Bowl LVIII. The four teams are into the battle, all aiming to lift the prestigious Lombardi. In addition to that, many players are also looking for their playoff bonuses, just like the Kansas City Chiefs’ star defensive tackle, Chris Jones. But there’s a catch here, and it has to do with Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson.

The 29-year-old DT lost $2 million in fines for missing the offseason workouts, season opener, and training camps, but now he might get an incentive if he succeeds in overcoming a major hurdle.

As per Spotrac, “Chris Jones signed a 4 year, $80,000,000 contract with the Kansas City Chiefs, including $60,000,000 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $20,000,000.” Now, in 2024, “Jones will earn, while carrying a cap hit of $5,400,080 and a dead cap value of $5,400,080.”

This looks simple and straight. However, as Jones is into the playoffs, and will be advancing to the Super Bowl (if he defeats the Ravens), the defensive tackle will earn his bonus. Jones rightfully received a $1.25 million sack (for hitting 10 sacks this season) in the third quarter against the Chargers. But there are some challenges ahead – making his way through the AFC matchup between the Chiefs and the big weekend in Las Vegas.

Chris Jones has earned $3.25 million of his $6.75 million option bonus escalator. Initially, the condition was that if he got selected as a first-team All-Pro and the Chiefs reached the Super Bowl, this amount would increase by $ 1 million. Now that he has been named first-team All-Pro by the Associated Press this month, he only has one major task to complete.

The Chiefs’ DT will pocket an additional bonus of $1 million if he manages to disrupt Jackson’s throws and the Chiefs defeat Jackson and his squad in their next AFC title round. If this happens, Jones’ total bonus will come down to 4.25 million.

Besides this, Chris Jones also awaits a $2 million additional bonus if he wins the Super Bowl and the Defensive Player of the Year award. But again, that’s highly unlikely. This is because even though if the Chiefs win the Lombardi, Jones might not make it to DPOTY, as Christian McCaffrey and Myles Garrett are leading as favorites.

Read more: Vocal Andy Reid Breaks Silence on Sack That Made Chris Jones $1.25 Million Richer

So, will he be able to stop Jackson, and help reach the Chiefs through the Super Bowl? Well, only time can tell this. Meanwhile, Jones is extremely excited about the upcoming thriller this weekend, and especially about playing against Lamar Jackson.

Chris Jones named Lamar Jackson as an MVP-caliber quarterback!

KC’s defense will be tested on January 28 against the brilliant Baltimore’s offense. And the Chiefs’ one of the best defensive linemen, Chris Jones, is also prepared for the challenge. In a recent press conference of the Chiefs, following practice on Wednesday, Jones praised Lamar Jackson and shared his thoughts on the upcoming battle.

The 29-year-old said, “[Lamar Jackson] is an MVP caliber quarterback. He has a good chance of winning MVP this year, that just shows you how dynamic a player he is. That defense is one of the best defenses in the league. I think overall as a team they’re one of the best teams in the league…..They’ve been showing that type of dominance throughout this year, so it’s going to be tough, it’s a challenge, but I’m excited for it.”

The upcoming game will be a spectacle of a riveting rivalry, a history steeped in unforgettable plays and exciting clashes. Although praises continue to come from both teams, one cannot deny the fact that the Chiefs have a knack for keeping games like this close — and ultimately stealing them. It’s going to be a tall task against Patrick Mahomes and his squad, but all it would take is a perfect game.

It will all be seen on Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium, at 3:30 p.m. ET.

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