Andy Reid has finally commented on Chris Jones‘ situation. Often considered the defensive linchpin for the Kansas City Chiefs, Jones has played a crucial role since being drafted by the team in 2017. His impact was exemplified in 2020 when he signed a four-year, $80 million contract and played a key role in the Chiefs’ Super Bowl LVII victory in 2022.

However, last season was arguably one of the best in his career, prompting him to seek a new contract that reflects his value. This negotiation led to his absence from the minicamp and even the Super Bowl ring celebration ceremony. Now, with the release of the Chiefs’ 53-man roster, Reid’s comments add a cryptic layer to Jones’ ongoing contract situation.

Is Reid okay without Jones?

Andy Reid, renowned for his strategic acumen and sound decision-making, appears confident that Chris Jones’ absence won’t have a significant impact on his team. During a recent press conference, when asked about the team’s pass rush without Jones, Reid responded with reassurance, saying, “We’ll be okay….we’ve got good players so we’ll be all right.”

Reid also acknowledged uncertainty about his star lineman’s status, stating, “I don’t know when he’s coming or not coming.” With the Chiefs set to kick off their 2023 season against the Detroit Lions on Thursday, Jones’ absence could potentially raise concerns.

Read more: As $5,000,000 Hang in the Air, ‘Missing From Historical Night’ Chris Jones’ Situation Could Take a Left Turn for Kansas

However, it’s worth noting that the Chiefs have already released their 53-man roster list, and Jones has been assigned a separate spot.

Jones on the ‘reserve’ list?

The Kansas City Chiefs made significant roster reductions on Tuesday, trimming their player count from 90 to 53. A notable development was the placement of defensive tackle Chris Jones on the Reserve/Did Not Report list. Jones is currently amid a $30 million holdout as he seeks a contract extension, with his existing contract set to expire after the upcoming season.

Jones has hinted at remaining absent until week 8 to secure credit for the final year of his contract, positioning himself for free agency in 2024. By opting to skip the first seven regular-season weeks, Jones is at risk of forfeiting $7.5 million and incurring over $2 million in non-waivable fines.

It’s important to highlight that, while on the did not report list, Jones will not count toward the team’s 53-player roster. As a result, his $19.5 million base salary won’t impact the team’s salary cap during this period.

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