11 September 2023 , 21:24
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Superstar pass rusher Chris Jones' holdout is over thanks to a contract restructuring, delivering a massive boost to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Jones, 29, is one of the most dominant defenders in the NFL, but he missed the reigning Super Bowl champions' season-opening defeat to the Detroit Lions on Thursday due to a dispute over his salary.
Jones said he was willing to stay on the sidelines until Week 8 in an attempt to get the Chiefs' front office to buckle, but the parties have amicably come to an agreement that will see the seven-year veteran suit up for next weekend's trip to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
"Chris is an elite player in this league, and over the last seven years, he's really developed into a leader on our team," Chiefs general manager Brett Veach said. "He's been instrumental to our success and Super Bowl championship runs and it was a priority for us to keep him in a Chiefs uniform.
"I'd like to thank Chris and his representation, Michael and Jason Katz, for their desire and patience to get this done. Through this process two things were obvious, Chris wanted to be a Chief, and the Katz brothers worked diligently on his behalf."
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Jones has not extended his contract as part of the move, according to ESPN insider Adam Schefter. Instead, his terms still expire at the end of this season, but several incentives have been added to his deal that could see him "earn considerably more money" on top of his $19.5million (£15.5m) base salary.
Jones' absence proved costly in the defeat to the Lions with the Chiefs unable to apply regular pressure on quarterback Jared Goff, but the All-Pro defensive tackle will be welcomed back with "open arms" according to superstar QB Patrick Mahomes.
Mahomes said Jones would be welcomed back from his holdout with "open arms"."I know that stuff - contract stuff - is hard to talk about because everybody wants to make money for their entire family and everything like that," Mahomes said before the start of the season.
"But I know how much Chris loves the Chiefs. He loves being a part of this organisation. So I just try to stay out of it and tell Chris that I love him and that whenever he does come back, he'll be welcomed with open arms.
"We know that he's preparing himself so that whenever he does come back, he'll be that dominant player that he always has been. I'm not looking down on him for anything like that. He has stuff that he's trying to get done that he feels he needs to get done right now.
"So, I respect his decision. And whenever he gets back, like I said, we'll welcome him with open arms. He's a vital part of this organisation and I'm glad he's on my team."
Jones was drafted by the Chiefs in the second round in 2016 and he has been a huge success at Arrowhead Stadium. In addition to winning two Super Bowl rings, Jones has been to four Pro Bowls and he has racked up 65 sacks.
Andy Reid expects Chris Jones to hit the ground running after his holdout.Head coach Andy Reid expects Jones to be primed and ready to go. He said during the holdout: "One thing about Chris is he keeps himself in good shape. I haven’t seen him, but I would anticipate he’d come back in relatively good shape. It’s just kind of working himself into football shape.
"As long as he’s physically in good shape, you could kind of start working him in and getting him going and you play it by ear and eyes after that and see where he’s at."