Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones has stated he will not play until week eight of the upcoming NFL season as his contract standoff with the franchise continues. The 29-year-old, who is entering the final year of a £15.8m ($20m) per year deal, is seeking a new contract worth approximately £23.7m ($30m) annually, which would make him at least the second-highest-paid player at his position.
Jones made his intentions clear in a social media exchange with a fan who questioned his absence from training camp. When asked when he would show up, Jones responded bluntly: 'Week 8.' The player also shrugged off the potential financial penalties for missing games, replying 'I can afford it' when a fan site noted the hefty fines he could face for refusing to play while under contract.
The defensive star has already been absent from the Chiefs' training camp, incurring fines of £39,565 ($50,000) for each day missed. Despite the mounting costs, Jones appears willing to endure the financial hit to secure the long-term deal he believes he deserves.
Chiefs general manager Brett Veach has reiterated that the team has no intention of trading Jones, expressing a strong desire to keep him in Kansas City. 'He's a great player, and he wants a big contract. He deserves a big contract,' Veach told the Kansas City Star. 'But there's just some hurdles we have to work through in regards to how we can keep this thing going for the short- and long-term.'
Jones, who recorded 44 tackles, 15.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery last season, played a crucial role in the Chiefs' Super Bowl victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. With the season opener approaching, the team faces a significant challenge if they cannot resolve the dispute before the start of their title defence.
