Chris Jones' holdout continues as Kansas City Chiefs DL misses Sunday practice ahead of Week 1 game
Kansas City Chiefs defensive lineman Chris Jones officially missed practice on Sunday amid his contract holdout. His team is just four days away from opening the 2023 season and it appears they’ll have to do it without him.
While holding out for more money, Jones has earned more than $2 million in fines – and they only increase once the season starts.
“Chris Jones racked up roughly $2 million in fines during his training camp holdout,” Tom Pelissero reported. “He also gave up a $500,000 workout bonus. He would forfeit an additional $1,083,333 for each regular-season game missed.”
Jones is in his final season of a four-year, $80 million contract. He’s set to make $19.5 million this year, according to Spotrac. Meanwhile, Los Angeles Rams standout Aaron Donald is the highest-paid tackle in the NFL with a contract of $95 million.
The Chiefs selected Jones in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft out of Mississippi State, where he started all 13 games as a junior. Since entering the NFL, Jones has made four Pro Bowls and got his first All-Pro selection last season.
Last season was the best of his career as he totaled 44 tackles and tied his career-high with 15.5 sacks.
He was a finalist for the Defensive Player of the Year award as a result, finishing third in voting behind Micah Parsons and eventual winner Nick Bosa. He capped the season off with the Lombardi Trophy after posting three tackles in the Super Bowl win over the Eagles.
The Super Bowl champs open the 2023 season on Sept. 7, playing host to the Lions at Arrowhead Stadium.
Chiefs waiting on Jones’ return ahead of Detroit opener
Kansas City coach Andy Reid said in late August there’s been no communication between the team and Jones.
“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.”
Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce said what’s unfolding with Jones is scary.
During his podcast, Kelce implored the talented defender to come back. He played the best card possible — the drive to win another Super Bowl ring.
“Ah man, Chris, can you please come back? You’re really scaring me, man,” Kelce said. “I don’t get it. You must know something that I don’t know because I just don’t get it. I really want to get another Super Bowl ring with you, brother.
“This is me bargaining (with) you to just come back and play football for the Chiefs. Please, we need you. We need you bad. And I don’t know what the situation is.”
On3’s Suzanne Halliburton contributed to this report.