Chiefs Reportedly Refusing to Negotiate With Chris Jones Until He Shows up to Camp
By James.r
It's been an eventful offseason for the Kansas City Chiefs defense, and it doesn't look to be on the verge of slowing down. After firing defensive coordinator Bob Sutton, Kansas City lost star edge rushers Justin Houston and Dee Ford, then added formidable replacements in Frank Clark and Alex Okafor.
Now, they are in a standoff with breakout All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones. He's holding out of mandatory minicamp because he wants a new contract, but the Chiefs reportedly will not negotiate with him until he joins his team at camp.
From Up to the Minute Live: The #Chiefs have mandatory minicamp without DT Chris Jones, who wants a new contract. Sounds like KC won't negotiate until Jones shows up. pic.twitter.com/k5EMeGFxyG
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 11, 2019
Jones, whose contract is due to expire following the 2019 season, certainly has an argument for deserving a new deal. He put together a monster year in 2018, racking up 15.5 sacks, good for the third-most in the NFL.
The Chiefs, though, are standing their ground, demanding that Jones attend the mandatory workouts if he feels he merits $20 million-plus per year.
I have no idea why the team would play hardball with Chris Jones. That would be insane, especially after giving Clark 20 mil per.
— Seth Keysor (@RealMNchiefsfan) June 11, 2019
Jones is the best player on that defense, has improved every year, and has a great attitude. This is a freaking no-brainer. https://t.co/YL1xznrohq
If the Chiefs are serious about contending for Super Bowl titles for years to come, they will ultimately have to capitulate to Jones' demands. Defense was their downfall last season, and it would be foolish to damage the relationship with their best player on that side of the ball.
Clark, Okafor, and Jones joining forces with new defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo would make for a menacing front. Now, the Chiefs must focus on getting Jones on the field.