Why one NFL analyst doesn't completely agree with Chiefs keeping Chris Jones

Following their third Super Bowl title in a five-year span, the Kansas City Chiefs entered the 2024 offseason with a lot of tough decisions on the horizon. One of the biggest questions they had to answer was if they'd keep Chris Jones or let him walk in free agency.

Ultimately, the Chiefs decided to keep Jones in a red and yellow jersey, inking him to a massive five-year deal worth $158 million. The majority of Chiefs Kingdom was thrilled with this move but Seth Walder of ESPN had an issue with the contract, in particular the rolling guarantee included in Jones' deal:

"The team recommitted to Jones with a new five-year, $158.75 million contract. Jones has certainly earned it -- he finished first or second in pass rush win rate among defensive tackles in each of the past four seasons -- but this was a huge contract for a player who turns 30 in July. While it starts with $60 million fully guaranteed, $35 million more is guaranteed for 2026 if he is on the roster in 2025, per ESPN Roster Management."

Walder argues that Jones entering his age-30 season and getting this much money guaranteed is a risky move even for a player as talented as Jones. This was always the debate with Jones, as he's definitely closer to the end of his career than the beginning of it but the Chiefs brass obviously felt that he was a key part of this team and the fans mostly agreed.

Jones has played a pivotal role in all three Super Bowl wins with the most recent impact play coming in Super Bowl LVIII when he forced Brock Purdy to get rid of the ball in overtime. Purdy had a player open in the end zone and the 49ers could have scored a touchdown and made it trickier for the Chiefs on their next possession had Jones not applied the pressure there.

Maybe the Chiefs will go on to regret this deal but right now, it feels like they made the right call. Will this move pay off for them or will Walder be correct with his assessment?