Chris Jones’ Holdout Shouldn’t Scare Chiefs Fans Yet

Chris Jones has not yet reported to the Chiefs’ training camp as the organization works towards an extension for its defensive leader. Jones is subject to a fine of $50,000 per day and Adam Schefter reports the two sides are “far apart” on a new deal.

Nonetheless, Chiefs fans shouldn’t panic yet. I’m optimistic Kansas City will extend Jones sooner than later, retaining the most important piece of the defense in a year the Chiefs expect to challenge for a top-10 defensive unit in the NFL.

Chris Jones Contract Update

Jones is coming off perhaps his finest season as a pro. He was named first-team All-Pro for the first time in his career and was a finalist for Defensive Player of the Year, as he compiled 15.5 sacks and a pair of forced fumbles despite consistently being double-teamed.

This will be the final season of his four-year deal, and Jones is likely seeking a contract in the neighborhood of $25 million per year.

Quinnen Williams and the New York Jets recently agreed to a four-year, $96 million deal, proving a baseline that Kansas City and Jones could work from. I’m guessing that Jones wants a contract similar to Aaron Donald’s three-year, $95 million extension while the Chiefs are hesitant to make their stalwart the highest-paid defensive lineman in the league.

That being said, I fully expect a deal to get done. Kansas City has one of the youngest defenses in the NFL and needs a leader of Jones’ caliber to reach its lofty expectations this season. Jones has said previously he wants to be a Chief for life, and it’s hard to imagine George Karlaftis and the rest of the defensive line picking up the slack if Jones were to miss any time in the season.

Kansas City knows this could be another Super Bowl season, but it becomes much more difficult without Jones in the fold. Thus, I’m confident we’ll be talking within a few days about Jones’ new contract.

Don’t panic quite yet, Chiefs fans. There’s plenty of time left for an extension to get done, as Jones is far too important for Kansas City to let go.