Chiefs have ‘growing optimism’ of re-signing Chris Jones after GM Brett Veach ‘holds talks with his agents at NFL Combine’ – with star defensive tackle wanting $30m-a-year deal to stay in Kansas City

The Kansas City Chiefs are nearing an agreement on a new contract for Chris Jones after holding talks with his agents at the NFL Combine.

Jones was one of the stars for the Chiefs last season as they won the Super Bowl for the second straight season and the defensive tackle made it clear he wants to stay in Kansas City.

But Jones, 29, was involved in a standoff with the Chiefs last season over the terms of his deal and Kansas City is eager to avoid losing him for good in free agency this time.

And now, according to The AthleticThe Chiefs are increasingly confident a deal will be done after GM Brett Veach met with Jones’ agents Jason and Michael Katz.

The publication says Jones wants a deal worth around $30 million per year, which would make him the third-highest paid defensive player in the NFL behind Nick Bosa and Aaron Donald.

Jones was one of Kansas City’s stars in their back-to-back Super Bowl victories

Jones has been with the Chiefs since 2016, with Kansas City selecting him in the second round.

While there has been uncertainty surrounding his future, Jones has openly said he wants to remain with the Chiefs as they plot their bid for an unprecedented three-peat.

During the Super Bowl parade, Jones said over the microphone to thousands of fans, “For those who want Chris Jones gone, I’m not going anywhere, baby!” I’ll be here next year and the year after that!’

Michael Katz, one of his agents who met with Veach at the Combine this week, jokingly tweeted that Jones was drunk and hadn’t helped his negotiations by saying how much he wanted to stay.

“Cut them off bartenders!!!!” Katz wrote with three crying emojis. “Too much (beer emoji inset).

Jones led the Chiefs with 10 1/2 sacks and 29 quarterback hits in a brilliant campaign last season.