Pro Bowl defensive tackle Chris Jones might turn to drastic measures if his ongoing negotiations with Kansas City Chiefs continue to stall. In a recent social media post, Jones hinted that he might hold out if he doesn’t receive a new deal from the Chiefs soon.
Jones’ rookie deal with Chiefs expired back in March, and the organization placed a franchise tag on him shortly after. The two sides now have until July 15th to work out a contract, but it appears that things are not going as planned.
Replying to a tweet with NFL Network’s video about his contract situation, Jones wrote that not playing in 2020 is an option and mentioned running back Le’Veon Bell. In 2018, Bell declined to sign a franchise tag with Pittsburg Steelers and missed the entire 2020 season in order to force his way to free agency.
Previous reports indicated that Chris Jones is looking for a deal north of $20 million a year in salary, something that Chiefs are still not willing to give him. If the two sides don’t come to a deal soon, Jones has an option to sign his tag and play for $16.1 million in 2020 before hitting the free agency next year.
The 25-year-old defensive tackle would also hit the free agency in 2021 in case he opts not to play this season. However, in that case, he wouldn’t get paid this year.
Jones racked 136 tackles, 33.0 sacks, seven forced fumbles, 20 pass deflections, and one defensive touchdown since entering the league in 2016 as Chiefs’ second-round pick.
