Tyreek Hill recently began practicing with the team after being suspended in April. With his return, the Chiefs should continue contract negotiations.
It has been a tumultuous offseason for the Kansas City Chiefs. Luckily, the offseason is officially over as training camp started this week.
The big story at the start of camp has surrounded Chris Jones and his surprise arrival on the first day. Most had expected him to hold out as the Chiefs have been in contract negotiations with the 25-year-old defensive linemen since the season ended.
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While many were excited to have Jones to start the season, Tyreek Hill also rejoined the team for the first time since he was suspended in April. When Hill first walked down to practice, he was met by cheers from the eight thousand Chiefs fans that attended the first day of camp—the highest attendance for a single practice since the team started holding training camp in St. Joe 10 years ago.
The high turnout is for a good reason: the team has the reigning MVP at quarterback in Patrick Mahomes and looks to, once again, have the most prolific offense in the NFL. Kansas City general manager Brett Veach may be held up in contract negotiations with Jones, but he cannot also forget to pay his most explosive offensive player not named Mahomes. With Hill cleared of the recent allegations from this offseason, the Chiefs have expressed interest in reengaging in contract negotiations with Hill’s representatives.
Veach should arguably sign Hill before Jones. Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Grady Jarret already signed his long term deal, meaning there are no other players at that position that are looking for a big payday. Reportedly Jones is looking for something closer to what Frank Clark received from the team this offseason, which means that the negotiations could take some time even with Jones being in camp.
The wide receiver position, on the other hand, has two different players in New Orleans Saints receiver Michael Thomas, and Atlanta’s Julio Jones awaiting significant paydays. Currently, Thomas is holding out of New Orleans camp because he wants to be the first wide receiver paid an annual salary of $20 million.
If the Chiefs wish to avoid having to possibly one up this number they should focus on signing Hill as soon as possible. Hill’s specific situation is a bit different than some of the other wideouts in the league, but Veach has shown that he isn’t shy about paying players with past issues after handing out a contract worth $104 million to Clark.
It is fair to wonder if Kansas City is committed to Hill long term, since there were trade rumors brewing during the NFL combine. Second-round pick Mecole Harman has also drawn comparisons to Hill from Andy Reid. While most fans never want to see Hill outside of a Chiefs uniform, it could be that Veach does not have him in his long term plans.
If Hill is apart of the long term projections for the team, then signing him should be the immediate concern for the Chiefs organization.