The Chiefs “feel good” about contract negotiations with defensive lineman Chris Jones, who is awaiting an extension before the 2023 season.
Coming off a second Super Bowl victory in four years, the Chiefs are focused on making the necessary moves to snag a third.
The biggest of those might be getting a contract extension for defensive lineman Chris Jones sorted out.
Jones hasn’t been present for Kansas City’s offseason preparations, including mandatory minicamp, as he angles for his new deal. The good news? General manager Brett Veach sounds fairly confident about things working out soon enough.
Brett Veach updates Chiefs negotiations on Chris Jones contract
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Veach said feelings around Jones’ extension are positive.
“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 cited a “great relationship” with Jones’ agents.
“These things usually get worked out right before or during the start of camp. We anticipate the same, and we’ll see how it goes,” Veach said.
Jones is entering his eighth year in Kansas City since he was drafted in the second round in 2016. He’s coming off four straight Pro Bowl nods and picked up his first All-Pro recognition last season.
There’s no doubt the Chiefs want to give Jones a new contract. He’s got a massive cap hit at $28.3 million that the team can bring down with an extension while rewarding an important player with a salary improvement.
The biggest question is just how long it’ll take to get the deal done. The sooner Kansas City has him back with the team, the better.