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via Imago

via Imago

The reigning NFL champions find themselves in limbo. Chris Jones, the key figure in the Chiefs‘ defensive lineup, has taken a stand through a protest and is yet to join the ongoing training camp, which concludes in just a matter of days. With each passing day, the potential fines loom larger, with a staggering $1.4 million penalty already at stake for missing mandatory sessions. The financial hit could continue to escalate by an additional $50,000 per day, considering Jones is still in the final year of his contract with the team.

However, Jones remains resolute in his revolt and refuses to back down. Despite assurances from the management regarding an improved compensation package, no tangible progress has been made, leaving the highly skilled defensive tackle feeling undervalued. This discrepancy becomes particularly glaring when compared to the lucrative contracts secured by other athletes in similar positions.

Do the Chiefs have a history of underpaying athletes?

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Despite leading the team to three Super Bowls, the defensive team’s leader currently ranks 9th in pay. Aaron Donald and Quinnen Williams make $31.67 million and $24 million, taking the top two spots. However, Jones is at a disappointing 9th with $20 million per year, and his contract will also end by this season’s conclusion. Reports suggest Chris wants a $30 million yearly deal, but the team hasn’t agreed yet.

An interesting Twitter post has turned heads around the NFL community as it showcases how the Chiefs have done the same thing with other players. It adds how they weren’t able to land a deal with Tyreek Hill, who went to the Dolphins. Then Orlando Brown Jr. Who currently plays for their biggest conference rival, the Bengals. The post also adds how the defensive roster of the team is 3rd lowest paid in the league, while offense stars like Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce are well paid. It ends with the author saying the team shouldn’t waste time and sign Jones’ preferred deal.

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This post has received mixed reactions from the fanbase, with some of them pointing out how players must sacrifice in order to make a great team.

Is Patrick Mahomes actually overpaid?

Simply put, Mahomes is a big “no” in the over-paid category. He sits at 8th place, trailing Justin Herbert by a whopping $7.5 million. The post didn’t sit well with more than a few fans, with some of them defending their team in the process. One of them even claimed that the DT has a whopping $65 million payout sitting while adding, “Kelce had not been paid he to took a team deal. Mahomes left money on the table for Chris to get that 80 million… he deserve a pay day but 26-27 mill 65 guarantee sound good why pay more

Another fan had an interesting take and wrote, “You laid out why they shouldn’t . They haven’t caved and over paid younger players. Why start overpaying someone who will be 30 when the new contract starts?

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A fan was quick to correct the author’s mistake, commenting, “They offered Hill huge money, offered Brown more than he got in Cincy, gave Jones a mega deal, signed Matthieu, Thuney, Reid, Taylor all to big deals in FA…oh and they’ve won two titles…been to a 3rd and hosted 5 AFC championships…but go on

A fan understood why the team was unable to give out such a big deal, writing, “Also have the lowest cap space in the NFL.

Lastly, a fan asked, “Didn’t they free up money with Frank Clark?” wondering what’s taking so long for the deal to happen.

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Looking ahead, Jones seems unlikely to join the upcoming training camps. The bigger question is whether he’ll escalate by missing games, which could really hurt the team. GM Brett Veach has promised fair compensation for the 4-time Pro Bowler, but it’s yet to come through.

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