The new contract agreement between the Kansas City Chiefs and All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones immediately changed the outlook of the team’s defense. The lengthy holdout that stretched into Week 1 displayed the critical nature of business in football and its effect on an entire franchise’s plans.
Jones finished practice on Wednesday afternoon with plenty of reporters awaiting his thoughts on the new deal and ongoing negotiations for an extension.
Buy Chiefs Tickets“I chose my representation years ago. I made the decision not to come to camp, I didn’t want to be a distraction of holding in, and I’m super pleased with how it turned out,” Jones explained. “I’m back in the building, I’m excited to be back, (I’m) thankful for the organization (because) they were able to boost my salary up to make up for the fines, and everything.
“I’m super grateful for that. We’re focused on winning the next game. We have the Jacksonville Jaguars, very good team. (We’re) Coming off a loss to the Detroit Lions, which is tough but were looking for a bounce-back week.”
The Chiefs and Jones are still facing more negotiations regarding his status long-term since the new deal doesn’t extend beyond this season. Jones has made it a point throughout the rest of the year not to make it a distraction and to handle it during the offseason.
“I can’t look forward to next year,” Jones said. “Right now, we focus on I’m glad to be back this year. This is my last year. Hopefully, we can get some worked out after the year for the long term. I have reiterated multiple times. I plan to play for the Kansas City Chiefs for the long haul in my career. That doesn’t change because of the past situation. And we focus on Jacksonville. We’re focused on Jacksonville.”
Jones is expected to start in Sunday’s game against the Jaguars as the Chiefs seek their first win of the 2023 season.
