Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Chiefs and All-Pro DT still 'far apart' in contract negotiations

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 7/22/23

The Kansas City Chiefs will open training camp this weekend without star defensive tackle Chris Jones, who won't report as he and the club attempt to iron out a new contract.

According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, negotiations between Jones and the Chiefs are "far apart."

Chiefs’ All-Pro DT Chris Jones, who has been seeking a new deal this off-season, did not report with the rest of the team to training camp today, per source. The two sides remain “far apart” on a new deal for the Defensive Players of the Year finalist. pic.twitter.com/7doEzdxZcO
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 22, 2023

Jones is in the final season of a four-year, $80M contract signed in 2020. However, following the 2022 season, Jones made it clear to the Chiefs that he wanted a new deal.

In June, Chiefs general manager Brett Veach didn't seem worried about finding common ground with Jones. Veach said the two sides had "great communication," adding that he looked forward to having Jones in a Chiefs uniform this season and beyond. But without a new contract as training camp kicks off, Jones' holdout continues.

Last season, Jones did more than enough to prove worthy of a hefty contract extension, tying career highs in sacks (15.5) and quarterback hits (29), earning his fourth Pro Bowl nod and first All-Pro honor.

However, inking Jones long-term is getting more expensive by the day for the Chiefs.

Earlier this month, the New York Jets signed Quinnen Williams to a four-year, $96M deal, the second largest ever for a defensive tackle. Meanwhile, Tennesse Titans' Jeffrey Simmons (four-year, $94M) and New York Giants' Dexter Lawrence (four-year, $90M) have signed new deals this offseason, jacking up the price for Jones even more.

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