Chris Jones may have gotten a little ahead of himself.
The star defensive tackle boldly stated during the Chiefs’ championship parade that he would be back for with the team, despite his contract expiring.
But Pro Football Talk threw some water Thursday on Jones’ claims, reporting any potential agreement will happen “no time soon,” per a source with knowledge of the situation.
Perhaps Jones, 29, was just feeling himself in the moment — or maybe you can blame it on the alcohol, as Jamie Foxx and T-Pain once sang — but he certainly raised some eyebrows Wednesday when he made it seem as if he agreed to or would soon be signing a three-year contract extension.
“For those who want Chris Jones gone, I ain’t going nowhere baby,” Jones screamed. “I’m going to be here this year, next year and the year after. Three-peat!”
Jones’ agent, Michael J. Katz, had some fun with the moment.
“😂 😂 😂 cut them off bartenders !!!! Too much 🍺,” Katz tweeted.
The reality is, though, that no deal has been signed and the Chiefs will have to figure out how to proceed with Jones, whose third-down pressure in overtime helped them hold the 49ers to a field goal.
Jones is an elite defensive lineman, and will want to receive a long-term deal after returning on a one-year contract with incentives for this past season.
He has reason to seek a contract worth at least $30 million per year, in line with other star defenders such as 49ers’ defensive end Nick Bosa and Rams’ defensive tackle Aaron Donald.
The Chiefs have the option to use the franchise tag on Jones to prevent him from hitting free agency, otherwise the other 31 teams will have a shot.
PFT proclaimed he would be the No. 1 free agent after tallying 10.5 sacks this past season.
“I know there’s a possibility this could be my last game with the Chiefs. You just take it all in,” Jones said before the Super Bowl. “I’ll let the offseason do its thing. I don’t really focus on it. I’m not too worried about it. After everything is settled and the dust clears, we’ll see where we’re at.”
