Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones wants $20 million annually, and he might take a page out of Le’Veon Bell’s playbook to get it.
Jones tweeted he’d consider skipping the 2020 season unless he receives a lucrative extension. In the same tweet, he referenced Bell, who took a self-imposed hiatus in 2018 after failing to agree to an extension with the Steelers.
After his first Pro Bowl season following a nine-sack performance, the Chiefs placed the franchise tag on Jones in the hopes of re-signing him to a long-term deal. That hasn’t happened yet, and reports have indicated the two sides aren’t close to a new contract before the July 15 deadline.
Or I won’t play. @LeVeonBell told me about this
— Chris Jones (@StoneColdJones) July 1, 2020
After Jones invoked Bell’s name, another Twitter user seemingly mocked Bell’s holdout by claiming the four-year, $52 million deal he signed with the Jets in 2019 was less than Bell originally held out for. Bell retorted with a bit of snark and said Jones knows what he’s doing in his negotiations. Jones, in return, simply tweeted back at Bell with two emojis.
🙌🏾🤞🏾
— Chris Jones (@StoneColdJones) July 1, 2020
Regardless of what he expected to sign for, Bell’s deal with the Jets still made him the second-highest paid running back behind Ezekiel Elliott at the time, and he earned $27 million in guaranteed money. Christian McCaffrey overtook both players this offseason as the highest-paid running back.
For Jones, it’s a little different. Running backs are typically devalued because of their production depreciation with age, but the best pass rushers in the league can easily make over $20 million a year on a second contract.
The Colts’ DeForest Buckner just became the second-highest-paid defensive tackle at the age of 26 after signing a four-year, $84 million contract that pays him $21 million annually. The Rams’ Aaron Donald is the top-paid interior defender with a $22.5 million annual salary. Jones, who was selected 30 picks after Buckner in 2016, has more career sacks and forced fumbles than Buckner and roughly the same quarterback hits and tackles for a loss.
While Bell’s holdout didn’t end exactly the way he wanted it to, he still earned a nice salary with a lot of guaranteed money, especially for an older running back. Because of his position, Jones has an even better claim to the money he feels he deserves. If Jones wants to force the Chiefs to make a move before the season, holding out is the best option.