Kansas City Chiefs trade sums up what they think of Chris Jones holdout

30 August 2023 , 10:37

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The Chiefs have placed Chris Jones on the did not report list

The Kansas City Chiefs have traded for a defensive lineman and placed their superstar Chris Jones on the Reserve/Did Not Report list as he continues his holdout from the team.

Jones has been away from the team throughout training camp after making it clear that he wants a new contract - reportedly looking for a huge extension that would place him amongst the highest earners in the league

The 29-year-old is in the final year of his contract and while the franchise want to give him a new deal, they have yet to reach an agreement - with Jones reportedly looking for around $30 million (£23.7m) a year, and The Athletic reports he wants to be "at least the second-highest-paid player at his position" behind Aaron Donald.

With no resolution to the situation yet, the Chiefs have placed Jones on the reserve list rather than the active roster, and traded for Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Neil Farrell Jr.

Heading into his second season, Farrell played as a back-up for the Raiders and is unlikely to be a direct replacement for Jones - but instead adds competition at the position.

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The Chiefs have more than enough salary cap to make a deal for Jones - who has a huge hit of $28 million (£22.8m) this season.

Should they agree a deal to extend him, even on a deal worth around $30 million per season - his cap hit in the first year is likely to be significantly lower - saving the team money this year in order to help improve their roster and Super Bowl chances.

Chris Jones has threatened to hold out until Week 8 if he does not get a new contract

Jones has been away from the team since they won their second Super Bowl in four years, holding out of training camp. While a trade away looks highly unlikely at this stage, rumours linking him have begun to emerge - with the Chicago Bears said to be the favourites.

The Chiefs have the right to fine Jones for each day he does not show up to practice sessions, with him potentially costing himself as much as $2 million so far - and $1 million for each game week missed.

But that is something that the defensive lineman is prepared to take on, telling fans he will sit out until Week 8 if he needs to.

Kansas City's concerns are likely to centre on handing a defensive player approaching 30 - however good he is - a long term-deal but face the reality that the defensive tackle market has exploded in the last year.

Charlie Wilson