DT Chris Jones set to pay a minimum fine of $1,800,000 for not showing up at Chiefs’ practice so far amid contract negotiation saga

The Chiefs DT hinted that he could miss upto week 8 of the 2023 regular season.

DT Chris Jones set to pay a minimum fine of $1,800,000 for not showing up at Chiefs’ practice so far amid contract negotiation saga

Chris Jones (Via Imago)

With just less than 10 days to go for the NFL season opener, the Kansas City Chiefs and their star defensive tackle Chris Jones are still having a tough time reaching a middle ground regarding the DT’s contract extension. Jones is entering the final year of his current contract and is set to earn $19.5 million, but he is looking to become one of the league’s highest-paid DTs with his next contract.

He is currently holding out and could face a minimum fine of nearly $2 million for failing to show up at the Chiefs training camp. According to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, Jones has accumulated a fine of $1.8 million as of Sunday for missing the Chiefs training the last month. But as the roster cut deadline approaches, Jones has to report to the Chiefs before the deadline on Tuesday.

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If Jones doesn’t report to the camp before the deadline, the Kansas City-based football team can use a roster exemption to withhold game checks from the player. In brief, if Jones doesn’t report on Tuesday, the Chiefs will move the star defensive lineman to the reserve/did not report list and then the Chiefs can carry Jones without a roster spot and not pay him for two games if he’s inactive.

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If the Chiefs did hold out Jones for two games, the DT would lose $2.2 million in-game checks on top of the approximate $2 million fine. That’s a hefty amount of fine and if Jones is willing to lose that kind of money, it means the Chiefs and Jones are so far away on their negotiations.

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Chris Jones reportedly looking at the pay range of Aaron Donald

Chris Jones Chiefs
Chris Jones (Via SI)

The Chiefs’ defensive tackle Chris Jones is having a hard time securing his desired contract. He is reportedly looking for a contract in the pay grade of the Los Angeles Rams DT Aaron Donald.

Currently, Donald is the highest-paid defensive lineman in the league in terms of average annual salary with $31 million per year. Jones is looking for a contract of around $30 million a year according to reports. However, the Chiefs might be looking to pay the 29-year-old around $25 million.

The 4-time Pro Bowler Jones is a massive part of the Chiefs defensive line. He has been to 4 consecutive Pro Bowls in his last 4 seasons. Besides, in 2022, Jones had the best year of his career so far as he registered 15.5 sacks and 2 forced fumbles.

As a result, he received his 1st first-team All-Pro nod and also finished third in the Defensive Player of the Year voting. Now, he is looking to bank on his achievements and become one of the highest-paid defensive players in the league.

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