NFL Network researcher projects what Chris Jones extension might look like for Chiefs
It’s no secret the Chiefs face a tough decision with two members of the Super Bowl LIV championship team.
Wide receiver Sammy Watkins would be a $21 million cap hit for the 2020 season, while defensive lineman Chris Jones covets a long-term deal.
While many believe Watkins won’t be back this fall as the Chiefs are currently over the salary cap, the team has placed the franchise tag on Jones, 25. With that designation, Jones would earn $16.1 million.
What would it cost to give Jones an extension? NFL Network analyst Anthony Holzman-Escareno broke it down and projected Jones would receive a five-year, $101.25 million deal with $40 million fully guaranteed.
Here is part of what Holzman-Escareno wrote: “Jones, who held out of offseason workouts last summer in the hopes of getting a new deal, has expressed his desire to remain in Kansas City, but he also admitted having ‘a mix of emotions’ about the franchise tag. Jones should rightfully be asking to be made one of the highest-paid defensive players in the NFL. I could see him joining the $20 million club, which, in terms of defensive players, only currently includes (Aaron) Donald, Khalil Mack, DeMarcus Lawrence and fellow Chief Frank Clark. Is the Kansas City front office — which has also surely been preparing for quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ imminent record-breaking extension — willing to house two $20 million defensive linemen? Unless Jones decides to take less to stay with the reigning Super Bowl champions, the team is going to bring the Brink’s truck.”
Holzman-Escareno tweeted the players Jones most compares with.
You can read more of what Holzman-Escareno wrote here.
