The Kansas City Chiefs are not enjoying the most ideal preseason with Defensive Tackle Chris Jones threatening to hold out until week 8 of the new NFL season.
Whether the former Mississippi State Bulldog is postulating for social media or whether he is serious, is up for debate.
The TE has one year left on his 4-year $80 million contract and is reportedly staying steadfast on his conviction to hold out, despite the fact that it will cost him $1.1 million.
The 310 lb star is fined $50,000 a day for missing training camp, according to a collective bargaining agreement between the Player’s Association and the NFL.
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid admitted, "there’s been no communication," with the rock-solid unit, while QB Patrick Mahomes believes the holdout is going on for longer than he anticipated.
Mahomes questioned whether Jones would line up in their week 1 game against the Detroit Lions and said he hoped that his missing the game would not materialize.
"I know that stuff, contract stuff, it is hard to talk about because everybody wants to make money for their entire family and everything like that, but I know how much Chris [Jones] loves the Chiefs. He loves being part of this organization," said Mahomes on Wednesday.
"I just try to stay out of it and tell Chris that I love him and whenever he does come back, he will be welcome with open arms …" the linecaller added.
Maybe Jones is looking at the market value, as he is now the eighth best paid TE in the league. He has watched the likes of Dexter Lawrence of the Giants and Daron Payne of the Commanders each signing four-year $90 million contracts.
The Titans have also signed a $94 million four-year deal with Jeffery Simmons, while the Jets signed Quinnen Williams to a $96 million deal, also over four years.
Show me the money, is the message Jones seems to be portraying, but the Chiefs will need to adapt, one way or the other.
