Similar to quarterbacks and wide receivers, defensive linemen are securing hefty contracts this summer, as Quinnen Williams of the New York Jets recently did. Following the trend, the Kansas City Chiefs player Chris Jones is also on the lookout for a new contract from his team.
The defensive tackles’ request for a contract extension from the Chiefs has not yet been granted. Jones was depressed because of their misgivings, which is why he missed the team’s required training camp. For this, Chris is now subjected to harsh punishment by the team authority.
Chris Jones absent from Chiefs training camp over a contract standoff
The 29-year-old will be in the final year of his four-year, $80 million contract when the 2023 season begins. With an average annual value of $20 million, he ranked ninth among defensive tackles when he signed the contract in the offseason of 2020.
Jones failed to show up for the Chiefs’ opening day of training camp on Saturday after missing their whole minicamp. OverTheCap.com predicts that the Kansas City team will have $51.2 million in cap space available in the 2024 off-season. Even though it is the 12th highest in the league, the front office and their defensive lineman are “far apart” when it comes to a new contract.
Chiefs’ All-Pro DT Chris Jones, who has been seeking a new deal this off-season, did not report with the rest of the team to training camp today, per source. The two sides remain “far apart” on a new deal for the Defensive Players of the Year finalist. pic.twitter.com/7doEzdxZcO
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 22, 2023
Despite the team’s concerns about his advancing age, Jones is determined to take home DPOY this year. Last year, he came in for third place in the DPOY vote.
Chiefs Star faces potential $50,000 fine
According to NFL source Field Yeats’ claims, the four-time Pro Bowler allegedly skipped the opening day of training camp. As a result, the player is now forced to endure a substantial loss.
Based on the allegations, Chris might face punishment from his team of up to $50,000 for each day he skips training camp. No specific information has been released by the Chiefs, and the player has thus far appeared unwavering in his desire to restructure his deal.
Jones recorded 168 solo tackles, 75 assists, 65.0 sacks, and 3 fumbles in 7 seasons on the Chiefs’ roster. Despite doing almost everything he can, his squad doesn’t appear to have much faith in him. As a result, his absence from the training camp follows his absence at the ring ceremony for the reigning champions.
