There’s more than meets the eye with a number of contracts the Kansas City Chiefs have handed out this offseason. That remains the case with the deal signed by new Chiefs RB Ronald Jones.
It was originally reported as a one-year contract worth up to $5 million. According to the folks at Over The Cap, Jones’ contract includes a $1.25 million base salary. He also gets a $250K signing bonus, bringing his one-year cap hit up to $1.5 million for the 2022 NFL season. Only $750K of the contract is fully guaranteed and the Chiefs could save that amount if they released or traded him at any point. They’d also eat another $750K in dead money if that were the case.
If Jones’ contract is in fact worth up to $5 million, the remaining amount ($3.5 million) will be earned or unearned in various contract incentives that Over The Cap isn’t necessarily privy to.
While Andy Reid seemed to suggest that Jones will be given a chance to be a major part of the offense, his contract hardly suggests he’s a lock to make the 53-man roster. If the Chiefs find that Derrick Gore takes a step forward for instance or they’re able to grab a player they really like in the draft, they’re not in a situation where they couldn’t turn around and trade or release Jones. We’ve seen the team do that in the past with players like Carlos Hyde and DeAndre Washington.
On the other hand, if Jones makes the 53-man roster and contributes in a big way, it’s a great contract for the team. It also could set him up nicely for a payday in 2023 when he hits free agency again.
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