Kansas City Chiefs have come across a positive development as their standout defensive tackle Chris Jones will rejoin the Kansas City Chiefs in time for Sunday’s 2023 season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
However, this development also comes with a drawback for Jones as there is no guarantee that his long-term contract situation with the team will be settled anytime soon.
Chris Jones has agreed to a new one-year contract with the Chiefs but was unable to strike a deal. The multi-year contract extension deal he had been holding out for throughout this time was not taken any further.
Kansas City’s looming salary-cap issues make it unlikely that the Chiefs will be able to use their franchise tag on Pro Bowl DT Chris Jones, setting him up to become a free agent this off-season.https://t.co/avLnUhQXaM
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 17, 2023
The star defensive tackle was also absent from the Kansas City Chiefs’s opening game against the Detroit Lions.
According to ESPN, the amended contract between the Kansas City Chiefs and Jones did not contain a clause prohibiting the Chiefs from utilising their franchise tag on the All-Pro defensive tackle.
So, if the Chiefs decided to tag the defensive tackle after the season, then they would have to expect the price tag to be $32 million.
However, this could be unlikely for the Chiefs due to limitations of finances as this move would require a level of restructuring.
Despite the holdout, the relationship between Jones and the Chiefs has not been affected. Both sides understand this aspect of the business. The incredibly talented defensive tackle has also mentioned that he would like to remain with the Chiefs for a long time.
The Chiefs have also been aware of how crucial and important it is for them to have Jones back in their squad. Their defense and extended chances would have been directly affected due to the further absence of Jones.
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid regarding the matter said, “Chris and I have talked,”
“There wasn’t any personal thing going on there between us. It was just he made a business decision, that’s part of this thing. I’m old, so I’ve been through a lot of those, and those things happen. I’m able to separate it. I think he separated it. He’s back in and has a good attitude, ready to go”.
