Report: Chiefs' Jones wants $30M per year

Kansas City Chiefs star Chris Jones is eyeing a contract extension that'll make him at least the second-highest-paid interior defensive lineman in the NFL, a source told The Athletic's Nate Taylor.

Jones, who didn't report to training camp this weekend due to his contract situation with the team, is seeking a new deal worth $30 million per year, Taylor adds.

Los Angeles Rams superstar Aaron Donald leads all defensive tackles with an average annual salary of $31.67 million, according to Spotrac. New York Jets lineman Quinnen Williams is next on the list at $24 million after recently signing a four-year, $96-million extension.

Jones' $20-million average annual salary currently ranks eighth at his position. The 29-year-old is in the last year of his contract. He previously inked an $80-million pact for four seasons in 2020.

Jones is a cornerstone of Kansas City's defense. He earned his first first-team All-Pro nod in 2022 after racking up 29 QB hits and 15.5 sacks. The Mississippi State product then amassed six quarterback hits and two sacks in three playoff games to help the Chiefs win Super Bowl LIV against the Philadelphia Eagles in February.

It's been a hot offseason for interior linemen, as four of the position's five biggest contracts were signed this year. In addition to Williams, Tennessee Titans' Jeffery Simmons, Washington Commanders' Daron Payne, and New York Giants' Dexter Lawrence also signed lucrative long-term deals.

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