Chiefs' Chris Jones tweets he may sit out 2020 season
Chris Jones is sick of waiting for the Kansas City Chiefs to offer him a deal he sees fit, and now he's threatening to do what some of the NFL's biggest stars have done in the past — hold out.
The 25-year-old replied to an NFL Network video regarding his contract situation with the Chiefs, and tweeted Tuesday night that he might just follow some advice from New York Jets running back Le'Veon Bell, who sat out the 2018 season while with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Kansas City placed the franchise tag on Jones in March, and they still have until July 15 to reach a long-term contract. However, Jones has yet to sign the tag which would pay him $16.1 million next season.
Jones is set to be an unrestricted free agent after this season... provided he doesn't agree to a deal with the Chiefs, of course.
This isn't the first time Jones has discussed his situation with the Chiefs. After Kansas City won Super Bowl LIV, he said he wanted to be a "Chief for life," but later tweeted something very conflicting to that original statement saying "hope that they know that I love em but, all good things must come to an end....," according to ESPN.
According to NFL.com, Jones is seeking a deal worth around $20 million per season and has "always viewed himself as a $20 million-plus" player.
Is he worth that hefty price tag, though?
Last season, Jones recorded one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, nine sacks, 23 solo tackles, eight tackles for a loss and 20 quarterback hits. Those numbers are down from his career-high year in 2018, though he did miss three games in 2019.
Jones has proven himself to be a consistent player, but asking for $20 million-plus per season might be a little high. Los Angeles Rams DT Aaron Donald is paid $22.5 million per season, Indianapolis Colts' DeForest Buckner is paid $21 million per season and Philadelphia Eagles' Fletcher Cox makes $17 million per season.
Donald, Buckner and Cox have a combined 12 Pro Bowls and six All-Pros, so Jones asking for $20 million-plus per season may be a little out of the Chiefs range.
More must-reads: