Chiefs Get Positive Update on Chris Jones Extension Negotiations

Chiefs fans are desperately hoping to keep the band together for a third straight Super Bowl win. The most important pieces for that are two star defenders Chris Jones and L'Jarius Sneed. The latest reporting should thrill Chiefs fans as Kansas City is close to a deal with their All-Pro defensive tackle.

General manager Brett Veach has made it clear over the past month that signing Jones was the top priority for the Chiefs this offseason. According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, the Chiefs are putting their money where their mouth is.

News: Chiefs and Chris Jones Closer to A Contract Extension

A few weeks ago, the Chiefs had picked up the option to retain Jones' contract, giving them the ability to franchise tag him. However, this is very unlikely as both sides have made it known that they would like a long-term contract extension.

The issue facing both Jones and Veach is the salary cap situation in Kansas City. The Chiefs are pretty much at the salary cap limit of $255.5 million, according to Over The Cap, and they have Jones, Sneed, and their entire linebacker rotation up for extensions. Creating enough maneuvering room under the cap to bring back this elite defensive unit will be a challenge.

The Chiefs already created some cap room by releasing veteran receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling earlier this week. Moves to clear more cap space are sure to follow.

Jones, who is going to turn 30 before next season, is likely looking for his last big payday. According to Spotrac, his fair market value is $28.4 million per year. Make that a three-year deal and the Chiefs are facing a whopping $85 million over three years. It remains to be seen whether the superstar defender will give Kansas City a hometown discount in negotiations.

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