Chris Jones wants one of the richest contracts for a defender in NFL history. Thus far, as the game-breaking defensive tackle’s fines for holding out reach over $1 million, the Kansas City Chiefs do not want to give Jones what he wants.
And so, dear readers, we have ourselves a fascinating stand-off. In one corner is a 2022 Defensive Player of the Year finalist who only just turned 29. In the other corner is the reigning Super Bowl champion, that has a vested interest in maximizing the NFL’s biggest championship window with a third title in five seasons.
Oh, the suspense is terrible. As an outside observer, I hope it lasts. If you’re the Chiefs, it’s a different story.
If preseason action is to mean anything, then how the Chiefs’ defense matched up with the New Orleans Saints on Sunday had to be a massive win for Jones. Most of the Chiefs’ starting defense played the first two possessions against New Orleans. Those two drives saw Derek Carr and Co. march down the field toward two touchdowns with ease, to the tune of 128 yards over 16 plays.
Yes, it’s preseason. Yes, Steve Spagnuolo defenses historically don’t really get into gear until late October and early November, anyway. And yes, Kansas City likely isn’t backing up a Brinks truck for Jones faster just because of the start of an exhibition game. But, if Jones was around — with the deal he wants — presumably, the Chiefs’ defense wouldn’t have struggled as much. At the very least, Jones’ usual interior dominance would have held Kansas City’s pass rush together. His absence was quite noticeable.
There are just over three weeks before the regular season begins, and the Chiefs take on the Detroit Lions on opening night. They’d probably do well to get their third-best player in Jones, in the building, happy and healthy, sooner rather than later.