Chiefs coach Andy Reid gives update on Chris Jones amid holdout
Chris Jones, possibly the best defensive player in the AFC, is sitting out Chiefs training camp and piling up a massive fine. And there are signs the impasse could go on far longer.
Kansas City coach Andy Reid said Wednesday there’s no communication between the team and Jones as the Chiefs are nearing the end to training camp. The Super Bowl champs open the season, Sept. 7, playing host to the Lions at Arrowhead Stadium.
“There’s been no communication so I don’t know what’s going to happen there,” Reid told reporters. “The game goes on. That’s how it works.”
And here’s how it’s going with the Chiefs. They play the Browns to end the preseason, then begin work on the Lions. Chris Jones, who wants a new contract, wasn’t with the team for OTAs, mini camp and now training camp.
Jones, who is being fined $50,000 a day for not being in training camp, likes to leave cryptic messages on his social media accounts. On Tuesday, he posted a photo of a chalkboard with the message:
“If it’s out of your hands, it deserves freedom from your mind also.” He then responded to Chiefs fans in the replies, indicating he could be back around week eight.
Chris Jones went from second to ninth among highest-paid DTs
One fan told him “I hope you can get it worked out. As a fan, I’m kinda glad that the team is taking some time. A big contract requires big thought since that’s money under the cap to sign other talent to the team. But I hope they get it done before the season starts.”
Chris Jones is in his final season of a four-year, $80 million contract. He is one of the best defensive tackles in the NFL. And league teams covet the big guys who can stuff the run and rush the quarterback. Los Angeles Rams standout Aaron Donald is the highest paid tackle in the NFL with a contract of $95 million. That breaks down to $31.67 million per year. Jones likely wants to be second to Donald. After all, when he signed his current deal back in 2020, he was the second-highest paid.
But Jones has dropped on the list. He’s ninth now. Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams received a new four-year extension worth $96 million. It’s $24 million a year. So that makes him the second-highest paid tackle.
The Chiefs are known most for their innovative offense, with Patrick Mahomes throwing to Travis Kelce. But the axiom still exists — defenses win championships.