The Kansas City Chiefs may have to prepare to defend their title as reigning Super Bowl Champions without their best defensive player. Defensive tackle Chris Jones has been away from the team amid the ongoing contract negotiations. At least, we thought they were ongoing.
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said, "There’s been no communication, so I don’t know what’s going to go there."
The Chiefs are just two weeks away from hosting the Detroit Lions in their season opener. Jones has suggested that he is willing to forfeit game checks if it means securing the long-term contract he feels he deserves.
When asked on X, formerly known as Twitter, about when fans and teammates can potentially expect Jones to return to the team, he implied that holding out until Week 8 is a possibility. That decision would cost Jones roughly $1 million, to which he said "I [he] can afford it."
Chiefs superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes also spoke on the matter and tried not to speculate too much. "I just try to stay out of it and tell Chris I love him," said Mahomes.
"I don’t think anyone expected him to be out this long. He’s a vital part of this organization," Mahomes acknowledged.
After recording 15.5 sacks and earning All-Pro honors en route to helping the Chiefs win the Super Bowl, Jones wants to be the highest-paid defensive tackle in the NFL.
There is no denying that Jones is one of the most important players on the Chiefs and his status looms large as they look to begin their quest to repeat as Super Bowl champs.
