Chris Jones earns $1 million bonus with Chiefs win over Ravens
As if it needed to be any sweeter, Kansas City star Chris Jones earned an incentive bonus of $1 million with the Chiefs’ victory against the Ravens on Sunday to advance to the Super Bowl. The veteran had no tackles recorded but had one pass defensed in the 17-10 win on Sunday. The Super Bowl appearance bonus comes in addition to his First-Team All-Pro selection and his $1.25 million bonus for reaching 10 sacks during the regular season.
This season, the defensive star signed a one-year, $19.5 million contract restructuring deal after holding out. He received incentives in his reworked contract to allow him to make more than the $19.5 million from his old contract. The Chiefs didn’t add any additional years to Jones’ contract, meaning he remains scheduled to become a free agent after the 2023 season. After he secured his first bonus for his sack total, he told the Kansas City defensive linemen that they were all getting Rolex watches.
He’s made a strong case for another new contract this season, racking up 30 tackles, 10.5 sacks, and seven tackles for loss in 16 games. In last week’s divisional-round win over the Bills, Jones had three tackles and a forced fumble.
The Chiefs selected Jones in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft out of Mississippi State. Since entering the NFL, Jones has made four Pro Bowls and earned his first All-Pro selection last season. In 2022, he totaled 44 tackles (30 solo) and tied his career-high with 15.5 sacks. Next year will be his ninth year in the league and depending on how Las Vegas goes, he could have three Super Bowl rings.
He was a finalist for the AP Defensive Player of the Year Award, finishing third in voting behind the Dallas Cowboys’ Micah Parsons and eventual winner Nick Bosa of the San Francisco 49ers. He capped off the season with the Lombardi Trophy after recording three tackles in the Super Bowl LVII win over the Philadelphia Eagles.
Travis Kelce breaks Jerry Rice’s record in Chiefs win
Another Chiefs player hit a big milestone amid the victory against Baltimore on Sunday. Tight end Travis Kelce broke the record for most career receptions in the NFL Playoffs.
Hall-of-fame wide receiver Jerry Rice previously held the record with 151 receptions. Kelce entered the AFC Championship with 145 catches in his playoff career. He shattered Rice’s stunning record before the halftime break.
With just under seven minutes left in the second quarter, Kelce hauled in a seven-yard reception to secure history. He still trails Rice in receiving yards (1,964) and playoff receiving touchdowns (19).