As the season creeps closer, it's becoming quite clear that the Detroit Lions are going to luck out in their timing when playing the Kansas City Chiefs. That's because their season-opening road trip against the defending champs is going to come at a time when their best defensive player will not be available—or at least at full strength.
Defensive tackle Chris Jones is still missing from the team with only five days left until the NFL season opens at Arrowhead Stadium. And the latest rumors have the Chiefs expecting to be without Jones for more than just Week 1.
On Saturday, a few more rumors surrounding Jones's negotiations with the Chiefs have surfaced. It's impossible to tell what is true and what is false, but they suggest that the Chiefs are asking Jones to take significantly less money than what most analysts and fans might have guessed. It also suggests the two parties might be at war for some time.
Apparently the Chiefs are ready to win some shootouts in the season's early going without Chris Jones.
The latest report from ESPN's Jeremy Fowler stated that the Chiefs have been back at the bargaining table with Jones, who wants a lucrative new contract extension as he heads into a contract year, but it doesn't look like they're reaching a deal anytime soon. In fact, Fowler notes the Chiefs are preparing to get the season moving without Jones as a part of the roster for a while.
"I’m told the Chiefs and Jones have had an uptick in communication in recent days, which is a good sign, but it’s still not done. The Chiefs have been bracing for the early part of the season to be without Chris Jones."
In addition to the rumors that Jones could sit out the early part of the season, MIke Florio at Pro Football Talk also credits a source with word that Jones isn't even seeking Aaron Donald-level of money, which had been the previous report from Nate Taylor at The Athletic. Florio explains that Jones wants to split the difference between the likes of younger tackles like Quinnen Williams and Donald—a difference of about $7 million total.
Will the Chiefs improve their offer? Are these rumors even true? Is Chris Jones determined to sit out? Can the parties find some common ground before the season begins? There are only a few days before the Chiefs must play one way or the other.