The new NFL season is just a week away. Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs started their preseason with a loss against the Saints. But they bounced back with victories in their next two games against the Cardinals and Browns. Amid the buzz surrounding the team following their Super Bowl victory last season, attention has been drawn to a pivotal player, Chris Jones.
Playing a crucial role on the defensive side, Jones was seeking a contract extension from Kansas City. This was after he logged the highest number of snaps among defensive tackles last season. However, amidst these developments, another piece of news emerged, one that is likely disappointed many fans who had high hopes for the team.
Chris Jones on the Reserve/Did Not Report list?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The Kansas City Chiefs reduced their roster from 90 players to 53 on Tuesday. One significant move involved placing defensive tackle Chris Jones on the Reserve/Did Not Report list. Jones is amid a $30 million holdout, aiming for an extension to his contract. The contract is set to conclude after the upcoming season. He recently hinted at staying away until week 8 to secure credit for the final year of his contract and position himself for free agency in 2024.
We have reached the NFL-mandated 53 player roster.
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) August 29, 2023
By skipping seven regular-season weeks, Jones stands to lose $7.5 million and also faces over $2 million in non-waivable fines. It’s important to note that Jones won’t count toward the team’s 53-player roster. So his $19.5 million base salary won’t factor into the salary cap while he remains on the did not report list.
Amid this contentious situation involving a key Chiefs player, strong opinions have emerged. Everyone wants Jones on Mahomes’ side, notwithstanding the intense contract negotiation.
Read more: Legend Charles Barkley Chooses His Pick For Kanasas City Chiefs vs Detroit Lions NFL Kickoff Battle
Jones’ contract holdout has impacted the fanbase, with some believing he’s justified in his actions and that the Chiefs should meet his demands without hesitation.
Fans rally for Jones, ask Chiefs to pay him
In an ideal scenario, retaining Chris Jones in Kansas City through a contract extension would be universally preferred. Following the Chiefs’ release of the roster list, passionate Chris Jones supporters voiced their opinions on the decision. A fan unequivocally declared, “PAY THE MAN @chiefs @StoneColdJones”
Expressing disappointment, another fan remarked, “Sad to see no report from Chris :(“
Advocating for Jones’ compensation, another comment read, “Pay Chris Jones!”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Echoing the sentiment, yet another fan added, “Announce Chris jones extension.”
Urging immediate action, a fan straightforwardly stated, “PAY CHRIS JONES NOW.”
One user expressed a mix of concerns, saying, “I think we are going to regret a few of these waived players….just saying…yet keeping CEH. But I trust In the system so we will see.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
As the debate over Chris Jones’ contract situation rages on, fans are fervently voicing their hopes for his extended stay in Kansas City. However, should Jones maintain his holdout, the team could potentially free up usable cap space. Now only time will tell the future of the Chiefs’ defensive tackle, Chris Jones.
Watch this story: Running on Three Legs, 6-Time NFL Pro Bowler and Former Patriots Wide Receiver Unveils His Unorthodox Secret for Everlasting Athleticism on the Field