NFL Rumors: Chris Jones' Contract Option Picked Up by Chiefs; Can Be Franchise Tagged

The Kansas City Chiefs have reportedly picked up the option on All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

According to Rapoport, the Chiefs now retain the right to franchise tag Jones and will pay him $4.25 million in incentives earned this season. If the Chiefs choose not to franchise tag Jones, he will be a free agent.

A franchise tag gives teams the ability to select one player who is set to be an unrestricted free agent and guarantees they will be under contract for another year if certain conditions are met.

This season, Jones picked up 30 tackles and 10.5 sacks, helping lead the Chiefs' defense to a championship.

At the beginning of the 2024 season, Jones made it clear he was seeking a big extension. The eighth-year player missed training camp and sat out the first game of the season while holding out for an extension. While he didn't get the big extension he was looking for, he did get a reconstructed one-year deal worth up to $25 million.

The Chiefs now have a decision to make on where to use their franchise tag this offseason. Jones, who Kansas City tagged in 2020 before an extension, is a solid option for a franchise tag as he has emerged as one of the top defensive tackles in the league.

The Chiefs could go a different route and tag cornerback L'Jarius Sneed, who is set to be an unrestricted free agent this offseason. Sneed, who is two years younger than Jones, recorded 78 tackles and a pair of interceptions last season.

Whichever route the Chiefs decide to go, they will likely be looking at a lofty contract for the player they decide not to tag if they want to keep them around.