Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle, Chris Jones, is set to chase his third Super Bowl ring in Las Vegas in a couple of weeks. Jones, known for making bold bets on himself this season, took a risk by holding out during the offseason and missing training camp and the regular season in hopes of landing a lucrative contract extension. Unfortunately, his gamble didn't pay off initially, as he had to settle for a reworked one-year deal that was not as favorable as the original contract.
However, Jones didn't let this setback dampen his spirits. The new deal included several provisions or 'gambles' that he could cash in on. Along with a base value of $19.5 million, Jones could earn an additional $1 million for playing 35% of snaps, another $1 million for hitting 50%, and $1.25 million for reaching 10 sacks. He celebrated achieving the last milestone in the regular-season finale against the Chargers with a wild sideline celebration with his teammates.
But there was one more longshot parlay in his contract – if Jones was voted an All-Pro and helped the Chiefs reach their fourth Super Bowl in five seasons, he would earn an extra $1 million. Against all odds, both of these conditions were met. With the Chiefs' recent victory over the Ravens, they secured their spot in Super Bowl LV, held at Allegiant Stadium on February 11, where they will face the San Francisco 49ers.
Reflecting on his journey, Jones expressed his appreciation for the challenges he had to overcome. He acknowledged that it's not just about reaching the destination but also about the journey to get there. For Jones, looking back at what he went through to reach this point has given him a profound sense of gratitude.
Since being drafted in the second round of the 2016 draft, Jones has been a game-wrecker for the Chiefs. He made an immediate impact as a rookie, started 11 games, and continued to excel in subsequent seasons. In 2018, he had a breakout year with 15.5 sacks and earned second-team All-Pro recognition. The following year, Jones played a significant role in helping the Chiefs secure their first Super Bowl title in 50 years by defeating the 49ers. Last season, he recorded another 15.5 sacks as the Chiefs triumphed over the Eagles for their second consecutive Lombardi Trophy.
Jones had high hopes that his outstanding performances would lead to a long-term contract comparable to that of Aaron Donald, the three-time AP Defensive Player of the Year for the Rams. While talks between the Chiefs and Jones' representatives were ongoing, a deal never materialized. Jones' holdout during the preseason and missed game check resulted in significant fines and financial losses.
Although Jones is set to become a free agent after the Super Bowl, there's uncertainty surrounding his future with the Chiefs. While the team could potentially entice him back, their failure to reach a long-term agreement thus far raises doubts. Another option is to place the franchise tag on Jones, but the resulting contract figure would severely impact the Chiefs' salary cap.
As it stands, it seems likely that the Super Bowl in Las Vegas will be Jones' final game with the Chiefs. Despite the uncertainty, his teammates have nothing but praise for him. Defensive end George Karlaftis commended Jones on his phenomenal season, with first-team All-Pro honors and numerous accolades. Karlaftis highlighted Jones' ability to create opportunities on the field and emphasized his positive impact as a teammate and leader.
As Jones prepares for the Super Bowl in Las Vegas, where he had originally bet it would end, he is focused on contributing to the Chiefs' pursuit of another championship. Whether he remains with the team beyond this season or seeks new opportunities elsewhere, Jones' journey and accomplishments speak to his talent and dedication to the game of football.
