Mahomes says he left money 'on the table' for Chris Jones

After inking the biggest contract in sports history, quarterback Patrick Mahomes made sure he wasn't the only star the Kansas City Chiefs extended this offseason.

"Pat texted me and said, 'Let's get this thing done. I left some (money) on the table for you,'" star defensive tackle Chris Jones said Monday, according to Adam Teicher of ESPN. "That's when I had that security that me and the Chiefs were going to work something out."

The Chiefs franchise tagged Jones this offseason, and contract extension talks were initially unsuccessful, leading to the lineman threatening to hold out.

However, one day before the deadline to extend tagged players - and nine days after Mahomes signed his megadeal - Jones agreed to a four-year, $80-million contract that makes him the third highest-paid interior defensive lineman in terms of average annual salary, according to Spotrac.

Jones says the new long-term deal won't change what he loves to do on the field.

"If somebody told me, 'You could take $20 million or 20 sacks,' I'd take the 20 sacks any day," he said. "That's where my mind is, where my heart is: getting sacks, winning championship rings, having fun, enjoying the process. That's where I'm at right now.

"I love sacks with a passion. I love pass rushing. I could wake up every day and I could pass rush every day. It's my passion, it's my dream, it's my goal. It's the love of my life."

Following a career-high 15.5 sacks in 2018, Jones made his first career Pro Bowl last campaign after amassing 36 tackles, nine sacks, and one forced fumble over 13 games. The 26-year-old has been the Chiefs' sack leader in each of the last two seasons.

Meanwhile, Mahomes signed a 10-year contract extension this offseason. He can earn north of $500 million over the next 12 seasons, including the two years remaining on his rookie deal.

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