Kansas City Chiefs All-Pro defensive lineman Chris Jones was not at practice on September 2 – a Sunday but effective a Wednesday with the regular-season opener just five days away. General manager Brett Veach expressed optimism over Jones’ eventual return to the Chiefs, the two sides are “not close”.
What’s more, Jones could be eyeing a trade and seeing stars.
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Chris Jones Likes Cowboys Trade Suggestion, ‘Not Close’ to Chiefs Deal
Chiefs Star Possibly Eyeing Cowboys Trade
#Chiefs star DT Chris Jones, who is still holding out, isn’t present and won’t be at today’s practice — considered a Wednesday practice of game week — with the two sides not close on a deal, sources say,” NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport posted on X on September 2. “KC opens the season Thursday against the #Lions.”
But Jones’ eyes may be wandering the longer this drags on.
Chris Jones' likes👀 pic.twitter.com/OSXIQG0lle
— Josh Buckhalter (@JoshGBuck) September 3, 2023
A potential trade has been all but ruled out by Veach as he noted the two sides had been in communication in recent days. But Dallas being considered a potential landing spot for the 2022 All-Pro would not be a surprise given their national profile.
The four-time Pro Bowler, Jones, has said little publicly beyond tweets suggesting he could afford the fines incurred during his holdout.
Fines Adding Up for Chiefs’ Chris Jones
NFL Network’s Tom Peliserro shared just how much this is costing Jones.
“The running tab: Chris Jones racked up roughly $2 million in fines during his training camp holdout,” Pelissero said quoting Rapoport’s post. He also gave up a $500,000 workout bonus. He would forfeit an additional $1,083,333 for each regular-season game missed.”
If Jones follows through with his plans to take his holdout into Week 8 barring a new deal, that’s a total of approximately $9.5 million in fines that cannot be waived by the team.
I can afford it
— Chris Jones (@StoneColdJones) August 22, 2023
Jones’ continued absence hasn’t been due to a lack of trying or interest from his teammates.
Travis Kelce Pleads With Chris Jones
“Chris, can you please come back? You’re really scaring me, man,” Travis Kelce said on the “New Heights” podcast on August 31. “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.”
Veach was very optimistic about his goals for a resolution.
“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.”
They are said to have offered him a three-year, $78 million extension with $70 million guaranteed but nothing has gotten done yet.
Jones recorded 15.5 sacks last season, leading the team and tying for the third-most sacks in the NFL. He is also tied for the seventh-most sacks since entering the league in 2016 and, last season, the Chiefs’ defense went from the league’s top-ranked pressure unit to 28th when Jones was off the field.
As #Chiefs Chris Jones continues his holdout, a look at his impact on KC's defense:
With Chris Jones on the field:
1st In the NFL QB Pressure %Without Chris Jones on the field:
28th In the NFL QB Pressure %* Over the past 5 seasons, via ESPN. pic.twitter.com/NpqKUrpDYV
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) September 1, 2023
That is a catastrophic drop over an entire season.
Dallas was one of the league’s best defenses at getting to the quarterback last season, finishing third in sacks with 54 – one spot lower and one sack fewer than the Chiefs – with superstar EDGE rusher Micah Parsons leading the way with 13.5 sacks.
Dallas’ other lineman produced lines similar to the Chiefs not named Jones last season:
Dorance Armstrong (8.5), DeMarcus Lawrence, Dante Fowler (6.0 each), Osa Odighizuwa, Sam Williams (4.0 each), Neville Gallimore, and Chauncey Golston (1.0 each).
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Main Photo: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
