Chris Jones is still nowhere to be found, leaving the Kansas City Chiefs without their top defender.
Jones has been away from the team due to contractual disputes, hoping to get an extension.
Throughout the offseason, fans haven’t been made privy to what Jones might be seeking.
However, a recent report from James Palmer and Ian Rapoport indicates that Jones is looking for $30 million per season.
Aaron Donald is at roughly a 31.7 million average a year. The belief is Jones wants a 30 million a year average. So he’s not trying to reset the market, but believes he’s in the same ballpark as Donald. https://t.co/FkHstmABjC
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) September 4, 2023
As Palmer points out, this is a similar amount to what Aaron Donald makes per season.
However, Donald’s contract is widely viewed as an anomaly.
Other top defensive linemen make just over $20 million per season, and Donald’s contract is significantly more than this amount.
Donald has been one of, if not the best defender in the NFL over the past 10 seasons.
If Jones views himself in a similar light, he could hold out until he receives a similarly-valued contract.
The trouble is, the Chiefs have reportedly offered him over $24 million per year, a number he has allegedly turned down.
With the Chiefs’ home opener happening in just a few days, the clock is ticking.
If the team truly believes they cannot win without Jones, they could scramble to put a more significant deal together.
However, if they believe they will be fine with their current roster, Jones could end up caving.
This is a situation for Chiefs fans to monitor, given Jones’ standing as a top defender.
Continuing to sit out could have major effects on what happens next for Jones and the Chiefs.
NEXT:
Nick Wright Notes A Crucial Difference Between Chiefs, Chris Jones
