Without a doubt, the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl win was a big one for the franchise. But for the team to continue its momentum next season, Chris Jones will be needed in the lineup. Fortunately, Patrick Mahomes’ contract is the key to making that happen.

Just recently, the Chiefs picked up the option on Jones’ contract to keep his services for the foreseeable future. This development comes after the defensive tackle’s future with the franchise was questioned since the previous season started.
Dec 10, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones (95) reacts on the sideline during the second half against the Buffalo Bills at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

At that time, Jones held out due to his desire for a contract closer to the Los Angeles Rams’ Aaron Donald. By then, he agreed to a one-year contract after Kansas City’s loss to the Detroit Lions.

Jones has been an integral part of the Chiefs’ Super Bowl win and the success they enjoyed in the past few years. He also expressed his desire to return to Kansas City during the previous offseason while getting more money.

Patrick Mahomes’ Contract is Key For Kansas City Chiefs To Keep Chris Jones Next Season

Dec 10, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones (95) rallies the crowd during the second half against the Buffalo Bills at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
While that may have been impossible for the Chiefs’ salary cap in 2024 to accommodate, there is a way forward for the franchise. In order to make this move happen, restructuring Mahomes’ contract is the way to go. According to an article by Dan Graziano for ESPN:
“As of now, according to Roster Management System, the Chiefs project to be about $21.2 million under the 2024 cap. (The 2024 cap number isn’t set yet, but most teams around the league seem to be working with a projected cap of $242 million.) They’d need to clear space if they wanted to fit in Jones’ franchise tag.

The Mahomes factor: One of the best assets the Chiefs have at their disposal for these moves is Mahomes’ contract, which has eight years left on it and affords them the perpetual ability to convert salary to bonuses and clear cap room. If the Chiefs did a full restructure on his 2024 compensation — converting all but the required $1.21 million veteran minimum salary to a signing bonus and also converting his $34.9 million roster bonus to a signing bonus — they’d reduce his 2024 cap number from its current $58.6 million to around $23 million.

That savings alone would increase their projected cap space to about $57 million. Put simply, the savings from that restructuring of Mahomes’ contract, which is inevitable, is almost exactly the same as the cap cost of Jones if they franchise him,” Graziano wrote.
If the Chiefs manage to keep Jones and give him the bag he deserves, the team’s chances of extending their dynasty over the NFL will surely get stronger. In any case, it’d be wise to keep an eye on Mahomes and how his contract will play out in the coming days.
Feb 12, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, US; Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones (95) celebrates after winning Super Bowl LVII against the Philadelphia Eagles at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports