Chris Jones created a buzz when he insinuated that he would sit out the 2021 NFL season without a long-term deal.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive lineman Chris Jones is undoubtedly an NFL superstar, and he is more than ready to be paid like one. Jones is so ready that he’s willing to at least suggest that he would sit out the 2021 NFL season without securing the long-term extension that both he and the Chiefs have been talking about for more than a year..
Jones tweeted the following in response to a video from an NFL Total Access panel that was discussing players who deserve to be paid, and Jones was on that list:
Or I won’t play. @LeVeonBell told me about this
— Chris Jones (@StoneColdJones) July 1, 2020
This is the latest development that has been further complicated by the global COVID-19 pandemic and the uncertainty surrounding the upcoming NFL season—given how much it will wreck the future of league financials (and the salary cap) . The Chiefs have been vocal about wanting to keep Jones, and the player himself has stated he wants to stay in K.C. The 2016 second-round pick has been dominant on the field, and his energetic persona has endeared him to Chiefs Kingdom. Unfortunately, the latest update seem to indicate a chasm in negotiations.
More info on the #Chiefs & DT Chris Jones: The reason “not much traction” has been made on contract talks is because no negotiations or discussions have occurred since the tag. Jones has not participated and will continue to not participate in any OTAs — virtual or otherwise. https://t.co/vAz1uwBj7E
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 29, 2020
The Chiefs are in a complicated cap situation as they are also nearing a megadeal for the best quarterback on the face of the planet, Patrick Mahomes. Additionally, they have several large contracts hitting their peak years and the entire NFL faces complicated salary cap issues, especially if there is not an NFL season for Jones to sit out.
Some members of Chiefs Kingdom may want to dismiss Jones’ comment as a joke or sarcasm, as he referenced Le’Veon Bell who held out the entire 2018 season—a move that many people believe cost Bell a lot of money. However, Jones followed up his tweet with a retweet from Bell himself:
What’s understood don’t have to be explained... https://t.co/4IBh0ZvNrU
— Chris Jones (@StoneColdJones) July 1, 2020
There is so much happening in the world, it is hard to think about football at times. However, the next two weeks will be crucial in defining the relationship with Jones and the Chiefs. Will the Chiefs lock up their superstar defensive tackle or try to trade him for draft assets? There may be further complications as Jones reportedly has been eyeballing a deal similar to what the Chiefs gave Frank Clark last offseason.
Chris Jones has been an important playmaker and is beloved by the fans. There is no doubt that the Kansas City Chiefs would love to keep Jones, but they may have to make some compromises. The Chiefs must weigh the decision carefully, as surrounding Mahomes with the talent to make multiple Super Bowl runs is the primary objective for the organization.