The Chiefs have been confident that they will reach an agreement with standout defensive lineman Chris Jones for months. Though there is still hope, Jones’ chances of playing in Week 1 are dwindling.
Jones was added to the reserve/did not report list by the Chiefs on Monday due to his continued strike. The Chiefs’ season starts in eight days.
Veach envisions a future with Chris Jones in the team
General manager Brett Veach isn’t ruling out working with Jones. He said
“Certainly hopeful for that,” “We have been in communication, actually just in the last two days we’ve been in more communication. We’re going to continue to press on and work hard. A lot of respect on both sides of this thing. It’s been well stated how we feel about Chris, and he feels the same way. 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 he’s ready to go.”
In the final year of his contract, Jones will earn a basic salary of $19.5 million this year. Jones stated last week that he would abstain until Week 8. He must report by that deadline in order to receive credit for this season and be eligible for free agency in 2024.
If he misses seven regular-season games, he will forfeit $7.5 million and be responsible for more than $2 million in non-waivable fines.
