Contract talks between the Kansas City Chiefs and defensive lineman Chris Jones have reached an impasse.


The standout star is holding out for a contract and has chosen not to attend mandatory minicamp.


As relations between the two parties continue to sour, the Chiefs need to realize that the contract situation with Jones is something they simply cannot afford to mess up.


Jones, who is in the final year of his rookie contract, has been one of the most important players on defense for the Chiefs over the past few years. Since he was drafted in 2016, he's piled up 24 sacks, 15.5 of which came in 2018 alone.


He's a transcendent talent that most teams would kill to have, and if they don't lock him up soon, he's destined to leave or create unnecessary offseason drama. That would be an utter catastrophe for Kansas City's defense.


Simply put, the Chiefs just don't have the depth at the defensive tackle position to fill the gap Jones would leave. Outside of Frank Clark, their defensive line is incredibly suspect.


Their defense, which generated an NFL-leading 52 sacks last year, would lose its most crucial player should he not return after 2019.


Jones' value to the Chiefs cannot be overstated. He's the heart and soul of their defensive attack.


Messing up contract negotiations with Jones would be the Chiefs' biggest mistake considering they're trying to win a Super Bowl in the very near future.