Tag: holdout

Offseason holdout possible for Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb amid extension wait

From @ToddBrock24f7: With the Cowboys’ voluntary sessions set to kick off next week, Lamb may be sitting out until he gets his record-setting extension.

The Cowboys’ offseason program begins in one week, although all activities will be voluntary only. Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb could be taking advantage of that important qualifier.

As Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News speculates, a holdout from the fifth-year superstar is a very real possibility as he waits for a contract extension.

Lamb is due $17.99 million in 2024 under the fifth-year option picked up by the club in April of 2023. But coming off a campaign in which he set the Cowboys’ all-time single-season receptions and receiving yards records, led the league in catches, earned his third Pro Bowl bid, and was named a first-team All-Pro, Lamb’s salary represents an absolute bargain.

Lamb’s next contract is expected to reset the market at the wide receiver position, catapulting him above Tyreek Hill and the $30 million per year he makes in Miami.

Without that kind of money promised to him in writing, it’s hard to imagine Lamb showing up for meetings and strength and conditioning workouts. Live reps against a defense won’t start until May 24 (those are voluntary as well), and mandatory minicamp won’t kick off until June 4.

Gehlken also points out that Lamb traditionally gets together during the offseason with quarterback Dak Prescott and other Cowboys receivers for their own independent throwing sessions. Beyond that, Lamb could “hold in” once mandatory minicamp begins, attending sessions at the facility but sitting out of practices and other drills that might result in injury.

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The Cowboys have said that getting Lamb signed to an extension is a priority, but the front office has several other pressing contracts to work out, too; namely, for Dak Prescott and Micah Parsons.

Waiting- on any of them- only adds to the uncertainty that seems guaranteed to swirl around the Cowboys for the next 10 months.

The next move could be Lamb’s. And electing not to move at all may be the way he plays it come Monday.

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Chiefs TE Travis Kelce ecstatic to have Chris Jones back on defense

Travis Kelce didn’t mince words when telling reporters how happy he is that Chris Jones is back on the #Chiefs’ defense.

Kansas City Chiefs All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones made his 2023 regular season debut in Week 2 and quickly showed why the team missed him in Week 1.

Jones earned 1.5 sacks and a batted pass during Kansas City’s 17-9 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, showing that while he may have missed offseason workouts and the preseason, his game never actually went anywhere.

One person who was seen having a good time with Jones was Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, who was super excited to have Jones back with the team.

“It’s just an interesting scenario, man,” Kelce said after the game. “I just want to make sure that he felt … that he’s every part of this from the jump that he’s always been. I love that guy.”

Jones’ absence from the team was purely contract-related. Long story short, Jones wanted a multi-year deal and to be paid like a top defensive lineman. Jones and the Chiefs weren’t able to come to an agreement that satisfied those terms, so the two agreed to a one-year deal with performance-based incentives added for Jones to earn throughout the season.

It may not have been what Jones wanted, but it’ll at least hold him over for the rest of the year. In the meantime, Jones can get back on the field and do what he does best.

“You know, sometimes contracts and things like that can kind of … get in the way, or at least the media can portray people to be somebody they’re not,” Kelce said. “I just wanted to make sure he knew we were happy as hell to get him back out there on the field and in the building. His energy is needed, man.”

Chiefs TE Travis Kelce clarifies comments on Chris Jones’ holdout

#Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce clarified his comments on Chris Jones holdout after addressing the lineman’s absence on his podcast last week. | from: @EdEastonJr

The start of the 2023 NFL season is this Thursday, with the Kansas City Chiefs kicking things off at home against the Detroit Lions. The Chiefs have the opportunity to defend their Super Bowl title with many returning players, one of whom likely won’t be on the field this week due to his ongoing holdout.

Chiefs All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones remains absent from the team, with negotiations regarding his contract still an issue. Fellow All-Pro and teammate Travis Kelce made a suggested plea for Jones to return to the team during the most recent episode of his New Heights podcast with brother Jason Kelce. During Monday’s press conference, Kelce addressed his comments on the podcast and revealed his last communication with Jones.

“I was more so just trying to have some fun with talking about the situation. Try and bring light to it just trying to be funny,” said Kelce, “But at the end of the day, you know, Chris has his situation. He has his reasons. It ain’t none of my business. I’m trying to win football games, and hopefully, we can get him back as soon as possible because I know how great of a player he really is.”

Jones joined the Chiefs tight end recently in filming a commercial for DIRECTV, which is ironically the last time they both spoke, according to Kelce. He didn’t want to pry into his business and explained to reporters his reasons.

“I don’t know what his situation is,” Kelce explained. “I stay out of everybody else’s situation in terms of that, just so I don’t wrap my head around. You know what I’m doing but or what they’re doing based off of my intentions.

“I just, I just keep it moving, man. Hopefully, like I said, we can get it back. And we can just be the best football team we possibly can. But I never based someone else’s situations or their decision-making off of, you know, things that I may have done. I just don’t think it’s fair.”

Kelce did mention that he had a blast working with Jones on the comedic commercial during the offseason.

Can Patrick Mahomes’ Week 1 excellence overcome absence of Chris Jones, Travis Kelce?

With Jones out and Kelce’s status unknown, will Mahomes’ excellence in season openers be enough to earn the #Chiefs a win against the #Lions?

Patrick Mahomes is the NFL’s best quarterback and the things he is able to do for the Kansas City Chiefs when he steps on the field border on the otherworldly.

His dominance in season openers is well-documented, but as he enters his sixth season as Kansas City’s starter, Mahomes faces an adversity he hasn’t yet dealt with to start a campaign; a lack of stars on both sides of the ball.

Defensive lineman Chris Jones is still holding out as he negotiates a new contract with Kansas City, and tight end Travis Kelce suffered an injury in practice on Tuesday. Mahomes’ excellent track record in Week 1 games was featured by Pro Football Focus on Twitter after the news of Kelce’s ailment broke, and it begs the question: Can the reigning MVP overcome without his All-Pro teammates?

Fans have often joked about how much help Mahomes needs to continue winning games at the torrid pace he has established since taking over under center for the Chiefs in 2018, and Thursday’s matchup against the Detroit Lions is sure to be a real test of his mettle.

But, if Mahomes has proven anything, it is that he is adaptable. For this writer’s money, the Super Bowl LVII champions don’t have much to fear unless Mahomes’ time on the field is compromised by injury or ejection.

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Chiefs TE Travis Kelce speaks out on Chris Jones’ holdout

Travis Kelce addressed Chris Jones’ holdout on the “New Heights” podcast ahead of the #Chiefs’ regular season kickoff next week.

Chris Jones’ holdout came to define the Kansas City Chiefs’ training camp and preseason, and tight end Travis Kelce has had enough of it.

On a recent episode of the New Heights podcast, which the All-Pro pass catcher hosts with his brother, Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce, Travis addressed Jones’ continued absence from team activities, and pleaded for the lineman’s return.

“Chris,” Kelce asked sheepishly, “Can you please come back? You’re really scaring me, man. I don’t get it, you must know something that I don’t know because I just don’t get it. I really want to get another Super Bowl ring with you, brother. This is me begging you to just come back and play football for the Chiefs. Please, we need you.”

Kelce’s comments come ahead of Kansas City’s regular season kickoff against the Detroit Lions on September 7, which could prove to be a difficult game to win for the Chiefs without the help of their All-Pro pass rusher.

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Chiefs HC Andy Reid focused on next man up during Chris Jones’ holdout

#Chiefs head coach Andy Reid is focused on finding the next man up during Chris Jones’ holdout. | from: @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs are less than a week away from starting the regular season at home against the Detroit Lions. The issue dominating headlines about the team is the status of All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones, who seems committed to continuing his lengthy holdout.

The ongoing absence of Jones has affected the Chiefs’ plans on the defensive line throughout training camp and the preseason. Head coach Andy Reid has seen almost everything in his 25 years of experience and isn’t going to let the negotiations take a toll on his team heading into Week 1. Reid addressed the situation with Jones during Friday’s press conference and made a point to focus on the depth of Kansas City’s defensive line.

“Yeah, so I would tell you that you move on; I mean, as a coach, when the player is not here, then the next guy is up and rolling,” Reid said. “Chris (Jones) is a great player. We’ve got other good players that have to step their game up to fill the role of defensive tackle, defensive end, and so on. Everybody just has to play their best, and then you work through it.

“But to think that you’re going to fill in for Chris. I mean, that’s not that’s not what you’re doing. You’re the next man who comes up, and you try to utilize his strengths and let him get in there and play. We’ve had success doing that. So we’ll, we’ll do it again. I know the guys are excited to get in and play.”

Chiefs general manager Brett Veach mentioned on Wednesday that he’s maintained communication with Jones, hoping to reach a deal soon.

Chiefs GM Brett Veach shares update on contract negotiations with Chris Jones

Kansas City #Chiefs GM Brett Veach shared an update on the team’s contract negotiations with Chris Jones on Wednesday. | from: @EdEastonJr

The uncertainty surrounding All-Pro Chris Jones’ status is the elephant in the room for the Kansas City Chiefs entering the 2023 season. The star defensive tackle is still holding out as he seeks a new contract from the front office, causing him to miss training camp and the preseason.

The person in charge of leading these discussions from the Chiefs’ end is general manager Brett Veach. The negotiations over the offseason haven’t resulted in Jones being back with the team, but there was optimism from comments made during Veach’s Zoom press conference with reporters on Wednesday.

“We have been in communication,” Veacg explained. “And, actually, just the last few days, we’ve been in more communication. So we’re gonna continue to press on and work hard and a lot of respect on both sides of this thing. It’s been obviously well stated how we feel about Chris, and he feels the same way. So again, we’re just going to keep working on this thing. We’re looking forward to next Thursday, and hopefully, he’s in the lineup and ready to go.”

Jones ranked amongst the best defensive players in the NFL last season, emerging in many critics’ opinions as the league leader at his position. Veach refused to share details of the ongoing conversations in tradition to respect the players involved in negotiations.

“We’ve been in communications, and I think, you know, I like to keep all of those communications between us and them just out of respect for the whole process, and in the hopes that we can continue to work to get something done.”

Jones was placed on Tuesday’s Reserve/Did Not Report list for failing to attend team facilities at the NFL’s mandatory deadline. However, Veach continuing to be in communication is a positive step in a troublesome negotiation process.

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Andy Reid: ‘There has been no communication’ between Chiefs, Chris Jones

Andy Reid told reporters that “there has been no communication” between the #Chiefs and star defensive lineman Chris Jones.

Chris Jones’ contract dispute with the Kansas City Chiefs has extended through the first two weeks of the preseason, and an end isn’t in sight.

Head Coach Andy Reid shared an update on where things with Jones stand on Wednesday after Kansas City’s practice session.

“There has been no communication so I don’t know [if Jones will be present for week one],” Reid said. “Whatever happens, happens. [The] game goes on, right? That’s how it works.”

When asked if he had become involved with the negotiations with the star lineman, Reid made it clear that he is leaving those discussions to the Chiefs’ front office.

“No, right now there is not [a way to get involved in the negotiations],” Reid continued. “[Jones and the front office] have to communicate, do their thing. There’s just been no communication.”

The lack of communication between both sides may be an indication that a contract agreement is not close to materializing. Jones’ asking price may be so astronomically high that the front office has decided to stop negotiations.

Or, It could be a cat-and-mouse game, as each side waits for the other to cave.

With two weeks until the Chiefs’ opener against the Lions, it is becoming more unlikely that Jones will be playing for Kansas City in 2023 on a new contract.

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Steve Spagnuolo on Chiefs’ defensive identity without Chris Jones

Kansas City #Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo spoke about figuring out the defense’s identity without DT Chris Jones.

The Kansas City Chiefs are only days away from the start of the regular season and defense of their Super Bowl title. The word defense will be used often as the team seeks answers on the unit’s stability following several injuries and the absence of All-Pro lineman Chris Jones.

Jones continues to hold out and missed all of training camp due to ongoing contract negotiations. Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo spoke with reporters after practice on Tuesday and talked about a possible continuity issue on the defensive line without the perennial pro bowler.

“You’re always looking for continuity, right? And continuity comes with reps and being around each other and together,” Spagnuolo explained. “We haven’t had that. [We] have a lot of moving pieces right now. Sometimes it takes your first quarter of the season to figure out who you are and what you have. Now along the way, you gotta hope you’re winning games. But it might take us a little while to figure all that out.”

The Chiefs are also without defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton as he recovers from injury. Spagnuolo is still hopeful Jones can return and stabilize the unit.

“I don’t think Chris is any different than any other player that misses the entire camp and then has to play,” Spagnuolo said. “It’s tough. I mean, you certainly can’t expect that particular person as good as Chris to play every down, and then you worry about injuries, the body ready. Chris always keeps himself in good shape, but football shape is different. So hopefully, we can get him back right, and then when that happens, we just have to figure out how to go about it.”

The Chiefs will need their depth on the front four to fill holes for the missing pieces, and Spagnuolo seems committed to a defensive-line-by-committee approach until a resolution is found.

Chiefs DL coach Joe Cullen still talking to Chris Jones amid holdout

Kansas City #Chiefs defensive line coach Joe Cullen has continued to speak to Chris Jones during the defensive tackle’s holdout. | from: @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs defensive line has a few question marks following Sunday’s preseason opener loss to the New Orleans Saints. The lack of pressure from the first team in their time on the field led to unanswered points from the Saints in their opening drives.

Chiefs defensive line coach Joe Cullen has dealt with an early personnel shuffle due to injuries, suspension, and Chris Jones’ holdout. The unit still features pass rusher George Karlaftis in his second season.

Still, the experience could be better on the line as they try to patch things up before Saturday’s game against the Arizona Cardinals. Cullen addressed the ongoing holdout of Jones and revealed he’s still in communication with the 29-year-old during Wednesday’s press conference.

“I’d say this, Chris (Jones), in my opinion, was as good as, if not the best, … defensive player in the league last year,” said Cullen. “I do stay in touch with Chris. Chris is working hard. We’ll welcome him with open arms when he gets back here.”

Jones was dominant last season, tallying 15.5 sacks during the regular season and earning All-Pro honors. Cullen is confident in his current group of players but understands the importance of having a talent like Jones in the lineup.

“I talk to him about him staying in shape,” Cullen said after being asked for details on the conversation. “Eventually, this thing will get done, and he’ll be back here at practice and leading us.”