All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones was notably absent on Saturday for the start of the Kansas City Chiefs training camp. Reportedly, Jones decided not to report after the team failed to give him a new contract.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that Jones and the Chiefs remain “far apart” despite negotiating for the better part of the offseason.
The Chiefs have been bracing for this outcome, with head coach Andy Reid acknowledging that there is a possibility Jones won’t report in a recent interview.
“We’ll have to just see how that goes. I mean, there is communication going on; that’s the important part. Then, we just have to see,” said Reid at the time.
Under the terms of the new CBA, the Chiefs will be required to fine Jones even if they don’t want to. The 29-year-old player will receive a $50,000 mandatory fine for each practice session he misses.
Chris Jones had a career season in 2022, earning his fourth consecutive Pro Bowl nod and being selected to the First-Team All-Pro for the first time in his career. He matched his career high with 15.5 sacks while adding 44 tackles, four pass deflections, and two forced fumbles. Jones has one year left on his four-year, $80 million deal he signed back in 2020.
