The NFL regular season opens on September 7 when the Kansas City Chiefs will take the field for their first game against the Detroit Lions.
They could be forced to do so without Chris Jones who may not be on the field amid his holdout that caused him to miss training camp and the preseason for a new contract. But, if his holdout doesn’t end, Jones won’t even be on the sidelines to support his teammates.
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“Chris, can you please come back? You’re really scaring me, man,” Travis Kelce said on “New Heights” on August 31. “I don’t get it. You must know something that I don’t know because I just don’t get it. I really want to win another Super Bowl ring with you, brother. This is me, just bargaining with you to come back and play football for the Chiefs. Please, we need you.”
Chiefs’ Travis Kelce Pleads With Chris Jones: ‘Please Come Back’
Chris Jones’ Standoff With Chiefs
Kelce went on to say that he didn’t know what the situation was. But brother Jason, who plays for the Philadelphia Eagles, was quick to say it was because the Chiefs were not paying Jones enough.
Jones is slated to earn $19.5 million this season. He has accrued fines to this point and said he is okay with staying away until Week 8 if need be, noting that he “can afford” the nearly $8 million he is set to miss out on.
Getting a deal done would also help the Chiefs free up some valuable cap space.
Jones recorded 15.5 sacks last season, the fifth-most in the league, and 3.0 more than the next interior lineman, though that is not all that Jones is.
DEFENSIVE END CHRIS JONES. @StoneColdJones
📺: #CINvsKC on CBS
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/fM5ertlhHi pic.twitter.com/7aZzgxyzsm— NFL (@NFL) January 30, 2023
The four-time Pro Bowler is said to be seeking $30 million annually in a new deal, per Nate Taylor of The Athletic on July 23. So far, the Chiefs have been unwilling to meet Jones’ demands but general manager Brett Veach expressed optimism that the situation could be resolved in short order.
Chiefs ‘In Communication’ With Chris Jones
“We have been in communication,” Veach said via the team on August 30. “We’re looking forward to next Thursday, and hopefully he’s in the lineup and he’s ready to go.”
The Chiefs star tried to note that his team will face his brother’s in Week 10 this season but the Eagles center only encouraged Jones to dig his heels in, particularly if it means missing their showdown.
“The situation is you guys aren’t paying him enough, and I think he should hold out for as long as possible,” Jason Kelce said. “Especially past … Week 10!”
“Jason, f*** you,” Travis Kelce said while laughing. “I’m trying to get him back in the office.”
Chris Jones. One of the best in the game.@StoneColdJones | @Chiefs pic.twitter.com/EWXnMroq2I
— NFL (@NFL) January 31, 2023
“Chris … listen, don’t let them do this to you,” Jason Kelce continued. “Hold strong, my man, for all the other D-tackles in the NFL. You cannot take this injustice. You must stay [away] for at least the Eagles game, then you can come back. I think that’s the appropriate timing. It’s just a coincidence.”
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