Chiefs DT Chris Jones counters NFLPA survey grade of owner Clark Hunt
The official re-signing of All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones was a welcome sight for Chiefs Kingdom heading into the start of free agency. The Kansas City Chiefs effectively avoided any further holdout drama regarding Jones, who is potentially set to end his career with the franchise.
Jones spoke out publicly with the media on Tuesday for the first time since signing the new deal. He shared his thoughts via Zoom on the negotiations and defended owner Clark Hunt against his poor NFLPA team report card grade.
“I mean, to be honest with you, it’s three guys,” Jones explained. “[They are] the reason why this deal got done. Clark Hunt, Brett Veach, and the Katz brothers. How we were able to work with the Hunt family so understandingly through the midst of that journey. Holding out, actually, [coming] to the game, it’s so many ways they can be viewed right, as [owners]. He was so patient. I understand, and I think we both wanted this deal done. So, in my eyes, Clark Hunt is an A-plus in my book.”
The Katz brothers represented Jones throughout his negotiations with the Chiefs. He credited their working relationship with completing the deal.
“Communication. That’s the biggest key,” Jones said. “Talking and communicating throughout the process and trusting that whatever you want, the guys that worked for you can get it done. And I think that was the biggest thing with me. I trusted those guys to get it down.
“But, we also communicated and talked to a lot, talked about a lot, and didn’t take it personally and the business aspect. Especially last year on a one-year deal. It could have been so personable, and just understanding the nature of the business to get things done sometimes takes a little more time.”
The Jones’ positivity was evident after he finally got the deal he has been seeking for a few seasons. The Chiefs can build around him defensively without the cloud of uncertainty souring another post-Super Bowl offseason.