Chandler Jones’ absence from minicamp not a distraction to players

His Arizona Cardinals teammates understand the league is a business, so they focus on the players who are on the practice field.

One of the big storylines coming out of mandatory minicamp for the Arizona Cardinals is the absence of outside linebacker and stud pass rusher Chandler Jones. He was not present for voluntary OTAs last and was not on the practice field Tuesday during the open part of practice Tuesday.

Head coach Kliff Kingsbury told reporters after practice he does not expect Jones to participate all week.

This sort of thing will make fans crazy. However, his teammates don’t see it as a distraction.

“For us, it’s not a distraction at all,” safety Budda Baker said after Tuesday’s practice. “This is an NFL business league. We support Chan in whatever he’s doing. When we see him, we’ll see him.”

He said he is worried about who is on the field.

Tackle D.J. Humphries also understands the situation. “Business is business,” he said.

Jones is in the final year of his contract and has no guaranteed money left. He is due to make more than $15 million in 2021 and likely seeks a contract extension.

His absence is likely related to his contract, as suggested by Baker and Humphries. But this isn’t exactly a holdout.

He reported to the facility on Monday for media day and shot some promotional photos.

He clearly intends on being part of the team. Based on his presence on Monday, he was likely in the facility on Tuesday and will be the rest of the week. Failure to be present for minicamp subjects him to fines.

Kingsbury said the team is aware of the situation. There is no news about an impending deal on a contract extension.

As we have seen some injuries come out of minicamps, even with a reduced workload, Jones might simply just be playing it safe with his body until he gets some guaranteed money in a new deal.

The last time the Cardinals had a play hold it, it was running back David Johnson in 2018. He and the team later agreed on a new deal before the season opener but it wasn’t before training camp.

His status won’t be a distraction for his teammates, but it surely will be for fans, who badly want to see everything line up right before the season begins.

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