Kansas City Chiefs defensive star Chris Jones did not report to mandatory minicamp, suggesting he’s unhappy with his current contract.
Chiefs general manager Brett Veach has made it clear that reaching a contract extension with Chris Jones is a priority this offseason. After Tuesday, the heat has officially been turned on in the Kansas City front office.
Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Jones did not show up to the Chiefs mandatory minicamp.
Jones is heading into the final year of a four-year, $80 million contract. While he’s set to make a good chunk of money in the 2023 league year, he wants more contractual flexibility, and ideally to be around for the long haul on a team destined to compete in the AFC for years to come.
Chiefs rumors: Chris Jones unhappy with contract situation
By not reporting to mandatory minicamp, Jones has made it crystal clear that he wants a contract extension, and he wants it now. Until Jones’ representation and Veach are able to agree to a new deal, don’t expect the star sack artist to report.
Kansas City can fine Jones upwards of $100,000 for not reporting to three days of mandatory minicamp, should they wish, though that might create further tension between the two sides as they enter contract talks.
Jones was an All-Pro last season and finished with 15.5 sacks. His payday is coming, if not with the Chiefs then certainly elsewhere. Per The Athletic, Jones is looking to become the second-highest paid defensive tackle in the league. Aaron Donald, who makes $31 million per season, is currently first on that list.
Spotrac predicts that a new deal for Jones could be somewhere in the four-year, $120 million range, which would fulfill those demands. That could put a team like Kansas City in a cap crunch, however.
Thankfully, Veach is a cap wizard, so odds are he could find a way to make it work, even if that means discussing pay cuts for other players on the roster.