Chiefs DT Chris Jones not present at training camp, per source: How concerning is this? – The Athletic
Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones, who is in the final year of his four-year, $80 million contract, did not report to training camp Saturday, a league source confirmed to The Athletic. Here’s what you need to know:
The Athletic’s instant analysis:
What Jones’ new deal could look like
Earlier this offseason, Jones expressed his desire to play his entire career with the Chiefs. This time, such an extension could be a three- or four-year deal, according to multiple league sources. Throughout this offseason, Jones, according to a league source, has said he wants an extension that will make him at least the second-highest-paid player at his position. Jones’ holdout should accelerate negotiations between both parties. The Chiefs will not have any padded practices until late this month, so Jones will not miss much in the first week of the team’s ramping-up period. — Taylor
How concerning is this?
The concern for the Chiefs is if Jones misses one or multiple preseason games. Jones has spent this summer training in Miami with Pete Bommarito, his longtime trainer. Earlier this month, Jones praised the Chiefs, including general manager Brett Veach, while attending the ESPY Awards alongside Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and Isiah Pacheco. — Taylor
What Jones said
“I’m thankful for the Kansas City Chiefs organization, Brett Veach, coach Andy Reid. I was put in a remarkable situation to play with these guys behind me,” Jones said while accepting the ESPY for Best Team alongside Mahomes, Kelce and Pacheco. “They score all the points. I just go sack the quarterback. My job is easy. I’m very fortunate to be in this.”
(Photo: David Eulitt / Getty Images)