Report: 'Growing optimism' Chiefs will re-sign Jones

There's "growing optimism" that the Kansas City Chiefs will re-sign star defensive tackle Chris Jones before free agency opens, sources told Nate Taylor and Dianna Russini of The Athletic.

Jones is looking for an annual salary of $30 million, Taylor and Russini add. San Francisco 49ers edge rusher Nick Bosa and Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald are the only defensive players who currently make more than $30 million per season.

Unrestricted free agents can begin negotiating with teams on March 11.

Chiefs general manager Brett Veach reiterated Tuesday at the NFL combine that re-signing Jones is a top priority for the organization.

"I love Chris (Jones)," Veach said, per Mark Puleo of The Athletic. "Tried really hard to get something done, and we didn't, but when we got together right after that Detroit game, we had a great talk.

Both parties, I think, want to be here, so we'll get to work. That's certainly a guy we want back and love and want to see him finish his career here in Kansas City."

Jones held out of training camp and the season opener against the Detroit Lions due to his contract situation. He ultimately agreed to a one-year deal with incentives worth up to $25 million.

The 29-year-old had another tremendous campaign in 2023, totaling 10.5 sacks and 91 pressures, per PFF. Jones was a key contributor to a Chiefs defense that ranked second in points allowed per contest.

Jones has 273 tackles and 75.5 sacks in 123 career games.