1/5
Aug. 23 (UPI) — According to coach Andy Reid, All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones is currently not in contact with the Kansas City Chiefs due to a contract holdout. Jones has stated that he may not return until Week 8 of the NFL season, citing the ongoing dispute over his contract.
“There has been no communication, so I don’t know,” Reid said when asked about Jones’ potential return for this season.
“Whatever happens, happens. If he’s not there, the game goes on. That’s how it works.”
Jones hinted at a potential midseason debut in 2023 in response to a user on Twitter asking about his plans to reunite with the Chiefs.
“Week 8,” he tweeted.
In 2020, Jones signed a 4-year, $80 million contract extension, and he is set to earn $19.5 million in base salary for the 2023 season.
He did not report to training camp or attend mandatory minicamp with his teammates. Reid suggested that negotiations between Jones or his agent and Chiefs executives should resume in order for his return to happen.
“They have to communicate and do their thing,” Reid said. “There has just been no communication.”
Jones faces a $50,000 fine for each missed training camp practice and could potentially lose around $7.5 million if he skips the first seven weeks of the regular season.
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, speaking at training camp, expressed his belief that Jones will eventually return to the team.
“I don’t think anyone expected him not to be here now, but that’s part of the contract negotiation stuff,” Mahomes said. “I’m not looking down on him for anything like that.
“He has stuff that he’s trying to get done that he feels like he needs to get done right now. I respect his decision.”
Mahomes also emphasized Jones’ importance to the organization, describing him as a “vital part” of the team.
Starting as a second-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, Jones has become an integral player for the Chiefs. Last season, he tied his career-high of 15.5 sacks in 17 starts, earning him his fourth consecutive Pro Bowl selection and his first All-Pro selection.
The Chiefs’ final preseason game will be against the Cleveland Browns at 1 p.m. EDT on Saturday in Kansas City, Mo. Their season opener will be against the Detroit Lions on Sept. 7, also in Kansas City, Mo.
