Did Chris Jones seriously consider leaving Kansas City Chiefs? What he said Tuesday

Chris Jones had the one-liner ready.

The Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle — during a meeting with reporters on Tuesday — was asked if he could ever realistically see himself playing for the Las Vegas Raiders or another NFL team besides KC.

“I guess we’ll never know,” Jones said with a smile.

The quip was just part of a consistent message Jones repeated a few times during the 10-minute interview.

After agreeing to a five-year extension on Saturday, Jones reiterated on Tuesday that he wants to retire as a Chief — while not envisioning that he’ll play for another team.

“Deep down, I never had any plans to leave,” Jones said. “I always figured that something could be done.”

The two sides reached their eventual agreement late last week. Jones receives a $95-million guarantee, the highest in history for a defensive tackle.

In return, the Chiefs lock up the services of their defensive star for the foreseeable future. Jones — widely viewed as the top player available in free agency — was selected as a first-team All-Pro each of the last two seasons.

KC is banking that production will continue, even as Jones ages. Jones, who will turn 30 in July, was already the Chiefs’ oldest starter on defense last season, anchoring a unit filled with players the Chiefs have drafted.

So what makes Jones confident he can keep up his current level of play in his early 30s?

“I just chase greatness. I don’t think that’ll change,” Jones said. “No amount of money can change my love and passion for the game of football. No matter how successful I’ll be, I’m always chasing greater heights. So I think the Chiefs understand and see my perspective of the game and how much I love the game of football.”

Jones said part of his reason for remaining with the Chiefs was to “leave a legacy in Kansas City.” No NFL franchise has ever won three straight Super Bowls, which is something the Chiefs will aim for next season.

If nothing else, this offseason should be less hectic. Jones held out of training camp last season while seeking a long-term extension, then missed the Chiefs’ season-opening loss to the Detroit Lions before coming to terms on an updated one-year deal.

Jones foresees it as a “plus on both sides” that his contract situation won’t be unsettled this year.

“I had doubt at times, but I never for once thought I’d be leaving the Chiefs organization,” Jones said.

Jones credited “a little patience on both ends” for the final resolution. He said the negotiation resulted from yearlong communication between himself and agents Jason and Michael Katz with Chiefs owner Clark Hunt and general manager Brett Veach.

The two sides didn’t take the negotiation personally, Jones said, which ultimately made the arrangement possible.

“Deep down, I felt like I was never leaving,” Jones said. “And super appreciative for the Hunt family and the Chiefs organization, making sure that I retire a Chief.”