The Kansas City Chiefs have offered disgruntled All-Pro defensive lineman Chris Jones a three-year contract worth $74 million, per Mike Florio of NBC Sports. $70 million of that would be guaranteed for injury. Jones is believed to be seeking a contract worth $30 million annually. But Florio pushed back against that in his report.
“That’s an average of $24.67 million, and $7 million per year less than the Donald deal,” Florio wrote on September 2 of the Chiefs’ offer to Jones. “Jones, we’re told, isn’t trying to get to Donald’s number. In fact, he’d split the difference.
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“The midpoint between the team’s offer and the Donald deal is $28.17 million.”
Chiefs Offered All-Pro DL Chris Jones $74 Million Contract, Insider Says
Chiefs Optimistic About Chris Jones’ Return
General manager Brett Veach appeared on KHBS 41 and expressed optimism the two sides could reach a deal citing their recent communications.
“We have been in communication and actually, in just the last few days, we’ve been in more communication, Veach said on August 30. “So we’re going to continue to press on and work hard, and a lot of respect on both sides of this thing. It’s been, obviously, well-stated how we feel about Chris, and he feels the same way. We’re just going to keep working on this thing.”
But ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler says they are prepared for him to stay away while they continue to hammer things out.
“I’m told the chiefs have had an uptick in communication in recent days, which is a good sign, but still not done,” Fowler said on September 2. “The Chiefs have been bracing for the early part of the season, to be without Chris Jones, knowing they could be without [him]. They would have to win a couple shootouts with Andy Reid and the offense. But they know they need him back for the Super Bowl run.”
Jones’ teammate Travis Kelce has also made a public plea to have the four-time Pro Bowler back with the team. During the latest installment of the “New Heights” podcast Kelce hosts with his brother, Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce, the Chiefs tight end tried “bargaining”.
“Chris, can you please come back? You’re really scaring me, man,” Kelce said on. “I really want to win another Super Bowl ring with you, brother. … Please, we need you.”
Chris Jones Has Laid Out His Plans
Jones, meanwhile, has been open with fans about what he plans to do to land the contract he desires. He said he is willing to extend his holdout into Week 8 of the regular season. And, when confronted with the fact that he is losing money staying away, retorted in kind.
I can afford it
— Chris Jones (@StoneColdJones) August 22, 2023
He also told a fan to “fall in line” after they told him they were “losing respect” for him.
The longer it goes on, though, the longer it will take him to get into the full swing of things upon his return. That could spell disaster for the Chiefs.
Numbers Show Chiefs Need Chris Jones
Jones recorded 15.5 sacks in 2022 to lead the team and ranked sixth in the NFL. But advanced metrics show that his impact was the difference from the Chiefs fielding an elite defense of being food for opposing offensive lines.
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
Going from the top-ranked pressure unit to the 28th is disastrous and something the Chiefs need desperately to avoid.
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