Chiefs pick up Chris Jones option, it could be bad news for L’Jarius Sneed

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The Kansas City Chiefs took the first steps towards bringing back their two-time All-Pro defensive lineman, however there’s still plenty of work to do.

Even though the option of Chris Jones was picked up last week, there’s no guarantee he’ll return in 2024.

Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reported the story, adding that the Chiefs retained the right to franchise tag him while paying him the $4.45 million he earned in incentives.

That said, he still needs to be tagged, or he’ll still become a free agent on March 13.

What Jones has done in his Chief’s career

Since being drafted by KC in the second round in 2016, he’s lived up to his billing and then some.

The Pro Football Writers Association (PFWA) named him to their All-Rookie Team in 2016.

He’s made the Pro Bowl every season since 2019, been a Second-team All-Pro three times, and a First-teamer in three successive seasons, winning three Super Bowls along the way.

He’s led KC in regular season sacks in every campaign since 2018, finishing 2023 in a tie with George Karlaftis at 10.5.

To this stage of his career, Jones has 273 tackles, 75.5 sacks, 12 forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.

What both are sides saying about a new contract

By all accounts, both sides are on the same page about getting a new contract done.

During Super Bowl week, the Chiefs front office said that bringing Jones back was at the top of their priority list.

As for Jones, he expressed his desire to return in hopes of a three-peat, saying at their victory parade, “I ain’t going nowhere, baby!”

How could Jones’ contract affect L’Jarius Sneed

If and when Jones re-signs, it could impact another Chiefs defensive stalwart, L’Jarius Sneed.

Sneed also becomes a free agent on March 13.

While general manager Brett Veach has put Sneed up with Jones on the re-signing priority list, the 27-year-old cornerback didn’t seem sure that he and Jones would both be back.

On the show “Up and Adams” this week, Sneed said, “you never know how it goes” when discussing contract negotiations.

“I hope so, I hope so. They can’t keep both of us. Hopefully, they got enough for both of us. But you know, they gonna make it happen. I hope so,” Sneed said.

Until the Super Bowl, no one threw a touchdown pass against Sneed in 2023 despite Sneed facing some of the best wide receivers in the NFL.

What did Jones and Sneed earn in 2023?

After missing the opening game of the 2023 season, the Chiefs and Jones came to an agreement on a one-year contract.

Per Spotrac, Jones got a base salary of over $19 million this season, including $18 million in guarantees.

His cap hit for now in 2024 is just over $4 million.

As for Sneed, his four-year deal, slightly below $4 million, expires next month.

In 2023, his cap hit was just under $3 million.

Even though he didn’t make the Pro Bowl, you’d think his wages would go up significantly.