Tag: holdout

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.”

BREAKING: Zack Martin to end holdout, reaches new deal with Cowboys

From @ToddBrock24f7: The 8-time Pro Bowler and the club reportedly reached a deal that will pay him over $18 million, fully guaranteed, in both 2023 and 2024.

The Cowboys and right guard Zack Martin have agreed to terms on a reworked contract that will pay him $18 million-plus in 2023 and 2024, with both years full guaranteed.

The news was first reported Monday afternoon by ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter. Martin himself confirmed via social media that his holdout, which hit 21 days on Monday, is ending.

“Back to Work,” the former first-round draft pick posted.

Martin, 32, lost $1 million in fines by not reporting to Cowboys training camp in Oxnard, unhappy with a contract that was set to pay the eight-time Pro Bowler just $13.5 million this year and $14 million next year. Those figure ranked well below the salaries of several other guards around the league who are not nearly as decorated or dominant.

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Some of Martin’s teammates may have suspected that No. 70 would be reporting soon.

After Monday’s walkthrough practice. defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence was asked if he found it strange to be at camp without Martin, who was in his draft class of 2014.

“Yes and no,” Lawrence replied, per ESPN’s Todd Archer. “A lot of my training camps, I’ve been on the sideline, so I haven’t been able to be in action like I was this year. But I know what’s up, man. Zack’s going to be OK. The Cowboys [are] going to be OK. And I’ll see him soon.”

Real soon, it sounds like, much to the delight of Cowboys Nation.

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Chiefs DL Chris Jones channels famous poet in latest cryptic social media post

A holdout haiku: Chris Jones channeled a/Famous poet in latest/Cryptic Twitter post

Chris Jones hasn’t been shy about tweeting through his contract dispute with the Kansas City Chiefs and posted a famous quote attributed to 19th-century poet Ralph Waldo Emerson on Friday that left fans a bit puzzled.

The quote’s true origin is unclear, as there is no proof that Emerson ever wrote the words in the post, but even murkier is Jones’ intention behind broadcasting the dubiously sourced adage.

Perhaps this is an indication that he intends to continue his holdout until he sees a contract offer commensurate with what “lies within him”, or maybe Jones is signaling that the ongoing contract dispute is irrelevant given his self-perceived value.

Jones’ use of hourglass emojis adds another layer of uncertainty, as the concept of time (i.e. what lies behind and before) seems to be at odds with the point of the quote, which is more a commentary on introspection and self-actualization than anything.

Could it be that Jones is ready to return to the team despite the lingering uncertainty surrounding his future because he is self-actualized? Is he signaling that the offers he has received from the Chiefs are “tiny matters” compared to what “lies within” him? Did he just like the quote?

Poetry, like cryptic social media posts, is open to interpretation, and at this point, there’s no telling exactly what Jones meant with the tweet. What is certain, though, is that fans should expect more social media tomfoolery from the star defensive lineman in the days to come.

Here’s where Chiefs DT Chris Jones ranks on ‘NFL Top 100’ list

Take a look at where #Chiefs defensive lineman Chris Jones ranked on the “NFL Top 100” list for the 2023 season.

Kansas City Chiefs defensive lineman Chris Jones ranked 10th on the “NFL Top 100” list for the 2023 season. The annual television program counts down the league’s top players, as voted on by their NFL peers, who put together their rankings of the 100 best players in the league.

Kansas City did not have a single player chosen for any of the first 90 spots but finally got on the board with Jones’ selection at the 10th position. Though he was the first Chief to make the list, a certain reigning MVP, Patrick Mahomes, is expected to be ranked in the top three, and we here at Chiefs Wire are guessing that he won’t rank second or third.

Jones’ selection is certainly warranted, but his ongoing holdout from Kansas City’s training camp puts something of a damper on the excitement surrounding his place in the rankings.

Chiefs fans still haven’t seen Jones work out in St. Joseph with his teammates, and until he gets back on the field, there isn’t much to say about his outlook for the 2023 season or what an honor like this might mean for him.