Chris Jones may have been a little ahead of his time.
The star defensive tackle boldly announced during the Chiefs’ victory parade that he would return to the team despite his contract being up.
However, Pro Football Talk on Thursday put a damper on Jones’ claims, reporting that a potential deal could happen “in the near future,” according to a source familiar with the situation.
Maybe Jones, 29, was feeling himself in that moment — or maybe you can, too. blame it on alcoholAs Jamie Foxx and T-Pain once sang, but he certainly raised some eyebrows on Wednesday when he appeared as if he had agreed to a three-year contract extension, or was about to sign one.
“To everyone who wants Chris Jones gone, I’m not going anywhere, baby.” Jones shouted. “I’m going to be here this year, next year, and the year after. Three-peat!”
Jones’ agent, Michael J. Katz, was enjoying the moment.
“😂 😂 😂 Please fire the bartender! Too many 🍺” Katz tweeted.
However, the reality is that no contract has been signed, and the Chiefs must consider how to move forward with acquiring Jones. He helped hold the 49ers to a field goal with third-down pressure in overtime.
Jones is an elite defensive lineman who will likely want a long-term deal after returning last season on a one-year deal with incentives.
He, like other star defenders like 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa and Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald, has reason to seek a contract worth at least $30 million a year.
The Chiefs have the option to use the franchise tag to prevent Jones from becoming a free agent, otherwise 31 other teams could take a chance.
PFT declared him the No. 1 free agent after recording 10.5 sacks last season.
“I know this could be my last game with the Chiefs. I’m just going to take it all in,” Jones said before the Super Bowl. “We’ll let them do what they need to do in the offseason. I’m not really focusing on it. I’m not really worried about it. Once everything clears and the dust clears, we’ll know what situation we’re in. Sho.”
