Chiefs Rumors: KC Was 'Hopeful' Chris Jones Would Compromise on Contract

The Kansas City Chiefs franchised defensive tackle Chris Jones in March with hopes of signing him to a long-term contract.

One, they hoped, would include a hometown discount.

The Athletic reported the Chiefs thought Jones would come to a "compromise" on a "team-friendly deal" before the draft. Jones has done no such thing and has instead expressed public disappointment that he is yet to sign a massive contract extension.

"It's like a mix of emotions," Jones said in February on The Herd, per Arrowhead Pride. "Because you figure, you know, after four years, you do everything the right way, within the team way, you try to stay under the line, out of trouble, and be a good citizen for a team and for the city, you expect to be rewarded.

"So you know when you're hit with the franchise tag, it can go different ways. You can feel like they're not valuing you or they're not valuing what you bring to the table or you can look at it as giving them time to get their horses in a cage and get something together."

Jones admitted the situation left him with a "little bit" of hard feelings. The Pro Bowler has emerged as one of the most vital members of an improved Kansas City defense, recording 36 tackles and nine sacks last season. He also played through injuries during the Chiefs' run to a Super Bowl LIV championship.

The idea that Jones would take a team-friendly contract was probably wishful thinking. He made only $6.2 million over the first four years of his career. By outplaying his rookie deal, Jones became one of the NFL's best bargains. The franchise tag alone will net Jones more than double what he made his first four seasons.

While Jones has been clear that he wants to remain in Kansas City and build a dynasty, it's also clear he wants to be paid like a franchise cornerstone. With Patrick Mahomes' record-setting contract coming sooner rather than later—a deal that will undoubtedly deplete some roster depth—the Chiefs have to consider every cent and how it's spent.