At long last, the Kansas City Chiefs agreed to terms with star defensive lineman Chris Jones. His holdout spilled into Week 1 of the season but he's now back and ready to help KC defend its Super Bowl title.

While Jones' $25-million deal gives him the chance to earn more than he previously would have, the Chiefs still have the option to use the franchise tag next offseason. While that does set the table for Jones to hold out again — as franchise tags often do with star players — it probably won’t even get to that point.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Chiefs' salary situation very likely prohibits them from using the tag, which is expected to cost around $32 million. They would have to shed a massive amount of salary to clear up the space that the tag would require. Schefter reports that, despite the contract ordeal, Jones and the Chiefs have a strong desire to remain together.

Article Continues Below
More Kansas City Chiefs News
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, whose retirement is unclear, per Greg Olsen, at Super Bowl 59.
Greg Olsen drops Travis Kelce retirement truth bombAndrew Korpan ·
Patrick Mahomes looking at Jac Caglianone
Patrick Mahomes’ perfect reaction to Royals’ Jac Caglianone callupNathan Yasis ·
Kansas City Chiefs WR Jalen Royals with RB Brashard Smith and a silhouette of an American football player with a big question mark emoji inside. There is also a logo for the Kansas City Chiefs.
3 Kansas City Chiefs hidden gems on 2025 roster you need to knowBen Strauss ·
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid against the Buffalo Bills during the AFC Championship game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
1 Kansas City Chiefs player with most to prove at OTAsJaren Kawada ·
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) on the field against the New England Patriots in the first quarter at Gillette Stadium.
Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes names WR who can be among NFL’s ‘best’Douglas Fritz ·
The Nike football jerseys of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) and tight end Travis Kelce (87) at the NFL Shop at the Super Bowl LIX Experience at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.
Patrick Mahomes doesn’t think end is near for Travis KelceBen Strauss ·

Jones' incentives, which are based on snap counts, the Chiefs' success and individual achievements, could earn him an additional $6.75 million. As the second-longest tenured KC player behind Travis Kelce, the star D-lineman wants to remain with the only NFL team he has ever known and one of the best squads in the game.

Chris Jones will make his season debut in Week 2 as the Chiefs look to take down Trevor Lawrence and the Jacksonville Jaguars and pick up their first win of the 2023 campaign. His workload will be diminished as the team eases him into the season.