Chiefs Chances Of A Super Bowl Repeat Get Stronger With Re-Signing Of Chris Jones

If you thought the Kansas City Chiefs were going to have an impossible time setting up for their Super Bowl three-peat, they obviously have other plans and the re-signing of All Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones is a sure sign of that. .

Jones, perhaps the best player scheduled to hit free agency when the negotiating window opens at noon on Monday, is staying with the Chiefs after agreeing in principle to a deal that will span five years. 

The final details of the deal are being worked out, but it is worth over $150 million with $95 million of that guaranteed in the first three years.  

HENDERSON, NEVADA - FEBRUARY 07: Chris Jones #95 of the Kansas City Chiefs speaks to the media during Kansas City Chiefs media availability ahead of Super Bowl LVIII at Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort and Spa on February 07, 2024 in Henderson, Nevada. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Chris Jones In Tie For Top DT Pay

The $95 million the first three years puts Jones at $31.666 million per year on an annual average basis. And that will put Jones at the same level as Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald, who had been the highest paid interior lineman in the NFL for years – until now that he's sharing the distinction.

Jones signed a contract in 2020 that paid him $20 million per season. That contract expired after the 2023 season.

This deal is mammoth for Jones. And of paramount importance for the Chiefs.

The Chiefs, the two-time defending Super Bowl champions, are keeping the anchor of their defense. The move helps keep mostly intact and solidifies a unit that was often responsible for Kansas City's success throughout the season while the offense struggled with inconsistency.

So, instead of the Chiefs getting weaker like defending Super Bowl teams often do the following offeseason, the Chiefs this offseason so far …

Have kept both their offensive and defensive coordinators.

Are bringing back coach Andy Reid despite retirement rumors before the Super Bowl.

And are locking up their best defensive player.

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - FEBRUARY 13: Kansas City Chiefs cornerback L'Jarius Sneed is seen with a Raising Cane’s Box Combo at Kansas City Raising Cane’s on February 13, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Fernando Leon/Getty Images for Raising Cane's)

Next Step Is Addressing L'Jarius Sneed

The Chiefs are not done. They have cornerback L'Jarius Sneed on a franchise tag but are open to trading the lockdown specialist for the right offer. That is likely a first- or multiple later-round picks (maybe a second- and fifth-rounder).

If the Chiefs cannot agree on a long-term deal with Sneed, they could get a draft pick or picks in return to search for a comparable player. The club has a history of being able to identify cornerback talent in the draft, having found Sneed in the fourth round of the 2020 draft and Pro Bowl player Trent McDuffie in the first round of the 2022 draft.

The Chiefs admittedly have work to do on this front.

But replacing Sneed with a high-level prospect would be another sign of the Chiefs holding serve in their attempt to keep talent on the roster as they try to win a third consecutive Super Bowl.