Star defensive lineman Chris Jones future with the Kansas City Chiefs could be in jeopardy as he continues to holdout, and what could this mean for the reigning Super Bowl Champions and their potential dynasty?
Holding Out?
Chris Jones is coming off arguably his best season yet; putting up 15.5 sacks while also being named to First Team All-Pro and being a major part to Kansas City winning their second championship in the Patrick Mahomes era. He entered this offseason on the final year of his current deal and is looking to earn big money, possibly seeking to become the highest paid defensive lineman in NFL history; but as the offseason went on and training camp started, no news of him signing a contract extension came about and it seemed that both sides weren’t getting any closer to that conclusion, and now recently being placed on the “did not report” list with Jones skipping out on all of training camp and preseason, it’s begun to seem possible that a new deal could potentially not be reached.
What Do Kansas City Think?
During this whole ordeal, questions
were asked by the media to figure out what was happening with the entire situation. ahead Coach Andy Reid said to the media that there’s been “no communication” between him and Jones and that the “season goes on” implying that Kansas City will possibly kickoff week one against the Lions without him. Star Quarterback Patrick Mahomes also stated that it’s no harsh feelings between the team and Jones as they understand that this apart of the business and that when he comes back he’ll be welcomed back with open arms.
Why Isnt He Being Paid?
The exact details of the negotiations has been scarce as the most significant reports is that it both sides aren’t relatively close, but the question starts to become just why hasn’t a deal been reached and why Jones can’t get the money he’s seeking. Brett Veach saying in an interview that one of the factors for trading star receiver Tyreek Hill was to make sure Chris Jones could be paid and taken care of. You would think Chris Jones would be quickly taken care of for his ability and tenure with the team but it’s possible the Chiefs are content on not possibly overpaying for any player as to remain flexible with the moves they can make to continue to build and adequately improve their roster year by year.
What Does This Mean For the Chiefs?
Now with Jones being placed on the “did not report” list and threatened to holdout until week 8, what does this do for Kansas City and their aspirations to be the first team to win back to back Super Bowls in almost 20 years. This would obviously be a huge blow to their defense as Jones is the entire heartbeat of that defense and with him holding out; I wouldn’t be surprised if the Chiefs defense struggles a lot without him their, and not just for this season, if a deal can’t get done and Jones is traded or forced to leave in Free Agency, missing an elite talent like Jones could alter the next couple of seasons for Chiefs and hurt their chance to become a potential dynasty.
While although I still believe a deal will get worked out but it is concerning being that the season kicks off in a little over a week now.
Ojore Brown