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Chris Jones’ $95M Guaranteed Contract With Chiefs: Who Are the Highest Paid DT in the World?

Published 03/10/2024, 12:20 AM EST

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In a ground-breaking move that sent shockwaves through the NFL, the Kansas City Chiefs cemented their dominance by signing defensive tackle Chris Jones to a historic five-year deal. This deal positions Jones as the highest-paid defensive lineman and ensures that the game-changing force becomes the cornerstone of the Chiefs’ unprecedented three-peat back

The staggering figure, with a substantial portion guaranteed, represents a seismic shift in the financial landscape for elite defensive talents. By securing this jaw-dropping payday, Jones not only ascends to the throne as the king of defensive tackle contracts but also serves notice that the Chiefs are going all-in to keep their championship core intact for years to come.

The Chris Jones deal keeps the Chiefs’ dynasty intact!

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In a blockbuster move, the Kansas City Chiefs have locked up defensive tackle Chris Jones with a mammoth 5-year, $95 million contract extension. As tweeted by NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, “The #Chiefs and All-Pro DT Chris Jones have a blockbuster deal to keep him in KC, per his agents @KatzBrosSports. The top free agent is off the market and a huge move for the champs.”

The specifics, per Rapoport: “Chris Jones’ 5-year deal should make him the NFL’s highest-paid DT at around $32M per year. The first $95M or so are essentially guaranteed.” This record-shattering contract vaults Jones past Aaron Donald as the highest-paid interior defensive lineman in football.

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Jones was mere days away from hitting free agency, but the Chiefs ensured their “game-changing defender” would be anchoring the middle for their pursuit of an unprecedented three-peat title run.

Pat McAfee Questions “Leverage Play” From Chris Jones’ Cryptic Message as Andy Reid Fails to Clear the Air

Last month after the Super Bowl win, Jones made his intentions clear: “I need three of those rings, baby, we ain’t done yet. Kansas City we will be back here next year. And for those who want Chris Jones gone, I ain’t going nowhere, baby!”

The Defensive Tackle payday pecking order

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While Chris Jones has seized the financial crown, he’s joined an exclusive club of elite defensive tackles raking in massive paydays. At the time of Jones’ deal, Aaron Donald of the Los Angeles Rams topped the interior D-line salary ranks at $31.66 million per year on his 3-year, $95 million contract signed in 2022.

Nipping at Donald’s heels are a trio of young stars who just cashed in. The New York Jets’ Quinnen Williams, Tennessee’s Jeffery Simmons, and Washington’s Daron Payne all signed lucrative long-term deals this offseason to battle for DT financial supremacy.

1Aaron DonaldLos Angeles Rams$31.66 million (3 years, $95 million)
2Quinnen WilliamsNew York Jets$24 million (4 years, $96 million)
3Jeffery SimmonsTennessee Titans$23.5 million (4 years, $94 million)
4Daron PayneWashington Commanders$22.5 million (4 years, $90 million)
4Dexter LawrenceNew York Giants$22.5 million (4 years, $90 million)
6Javon HargraveSan Francisco 49ers$21 million (4 years, $84 million)
6Leonard WilliamsNew York Giants$21 million (3 years, $63 million)
6DeForest BucknerIndianapolis Colts$21 million (4 years, $84 million)
9Chris JonesKansas City Chiefs$19.5 million (1 year, $19.5 million)
10Jonathan AllenWashington Commanders$18 million (4 years, $72 million)
11Vita VeaTampa Bay Buccaneers$17.75 million (4 years, $71 million)
12Kenny ClarkGreen Bay Packers$17.5 million (4 years, $70 million)
13Dre’Mont JonesSeattle Seahawks$17.17 million (3 years, $51.53 million)
14Ed OliverBuffalo Bills$17 million (4 years, $68 million)
14Arik ArmsteadSan Francisco 49ers$17 million (5 years, $85 million)
16Grady JarrettAtlanta Falcons$16.5 million (3 years, $49.5 million)
17Cameron HeywardPittsburgh Steelers$16.4 million (4 years, $65.6 million)
18Zach AllenDenver Broncos$15.25 million (3 years, $45.75 million)
19Dalvin TomlinsonCleveland Browns$14.25 million (4 years, $57 million)
20D.J. ReaderCincinnati Bengals$13.25 million (4 years, $53 million)
21David OnyemataAtlanta Falcons$11.66 million (3 years, $35 million)
22Davon HamiltonJacksonville Jaguars$11.5 million (3 years, $34.5 million)
22Maliek CollinsHouston Texans$11.5 million (2 years, $23 million)
24Davon GodchauxNew England Patriots$10.4 million (2 years, $20.8 million)
25Grover StewartIndianapolis Colts$10.25 million (3 years, $30.75 million)
25Zach SielerMiami Dolphins$10.25 million (3 years, $30.75 million)
27D.J. JonesDenver Broncos$10 million (3 years, $30 million)
27Folorunso FatukasiJacksonville Jaguars$10 million (3 years, $30 million)
27B.J. HillCincinnati Bengals$10 million (3 years, $30 million)
30Sheldon RankinsHouston Texans$9.75 million (1 year, $9.75 million)
31Larry OgunjobiPittsburgh Steelers$9.58 million (3 years, $28.75 million)
32Sheldon Joseph-DayLos Angeles Chargers$8 million (3 years, $24 million)

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With the league’s recent spending spree on premier defensive tackles, the financial bar keeps getting reset. But for now, it is the Chiefs who sit atop the mountain, appointing Chris Jones as the highest-paid interior force in the game’s trenches.

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Written by:

Sanu Abraham

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Sanu Abraham is an NFL writer at EssentiallySports. As a passionate football fan, he brings fresh perspectives and new ideas to the coverage of the sport and its many exciting personalities. He seeks to write lively and engaging articles that play to his expertise.
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Edited by:

Aazima Basharat