The Chris Jones drama in Kansas City continues to intensify with the start of the season just days away and the Chiefs’ star defensive lineman is still without a contract and continues to hold out.
Jones, 29, was not present for Sunday’s practice and the two sides remain “not close” on a potential deal, per Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network.
The Chiefs open the 2023 NFL season on Thursday against the Detroit Lions, and with Jones not under contract, the possibility that he misses multiple games for the Chiefs this season is becoming more and more realistic.
Jones is entering the final year of his contract and is set to make $19.5 million this season.
Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reported that the Chiefs offered to replace his current deal with a three-year, $74 million contract with $70 million guaranteed.
Sports Illustrated’s Greg Bishop reported that Jones was seeking an extension “in the neighborhood” of $30 million per year.
Jones has been an integral part of the Chiefs defense and recent dynasty, winning two Super Bowls and three AFC Championships in the last four years.
He is a four-time Pro Bowler and is coming off a season in which he earned First Team All-Pro honors with 15.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, four pass deflections and 29 QB hits.