Have you heard about the newest trend sweeping the nation? NFL stars across the United States are holding out of mandatory minicamps seeking a change to their contract. The latest big name to stay away from camp involves the Kansas City Chiefs, just four months after winning Super Bowl LVII. I guess winning doesn’t cure everything.
Yet, while Chiefs defensive star Chris Jones remains away from the team while the rest of his teammates go through minicamp, there is no official word on whether the All-Pro is actually planning to hold out. What we do know is that he wasn’t seen at camp on Tuesday, and the team has reportedly been “open to a contract extension” with Jones this summer.
Inking Jones to a new deal would make a lot of sense for the Chiefs. The 28-year-old defensive tackle is entering the final year of his contract and is set to have a ridiculous cap hit of $28.2 million.
Both Jones and the Chiefs likely want a resolution before the season gets underway, providing both parties with more long-term security instead of heading into the year as a lame duck, headed for free agency at the end of the season.
- Chris Jones stats last season: 44 TKL (17 TFL), 15.5 Sacks, 2 FF, 4 PD
Jones has proven to be one of the very best defensive linemen in football, setting the tone for a Chiefs team who has won two Super Bowls across his seven seasons with the team.
If some unforeseen circumstance leads to Jones being placed on the trade block in the next couple of months, you can bet several NFL teams will come calling about the game-wrecker. Yet, don’t expect the Chiefs to give in without a fight for their best player on the defense.
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