The Chiefs are still without defensive tackle Chris Jones as the franchise seeks to become only the ninth team in NFL history to win consecutive Super Bowl titles in the 2023 NFL season.
Jones, who registered a career-high 15.5 sacks last season, has not reported to training camp due to a sour dispute over his contract. The four-time Pro Bowler has one year remaining on the four-year, $80 million deal he signed with the franchise in ’20. As Kansas City prepares for its final preseason game on Saturday against the Browns, Chiefs coach Andy Reid told reporters on Wednesday that the team has not been in contact with Jones.
“There’s been no communication, so I don’t know what’s going to go down,” Reid said, per Pete Sweeney of Arrowhead Pride. “Whatever happens, happens, and if he’s [Jones] not there, the game goes on … they got to communicate and do their thing.”
Reid’s statement comes a day after an internet troll asked the former Mississippi State star when he would report to the team on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. Jones responded, saying “Week 8.”
If Jones chooses to hold out until Week 8 of the season, he will forfeit his game checks, which equates to nearly $1.1 million per week. In addition, the 29-year-old will also take on a $50,000 fine for missing training camp, according to the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement.
Even so, Jones, a first-team All-Pro, says he can “afford” to remain away from the franchise, even with that financial toll.
