Chiefs May Have a Le’Veon Bell Situation on Their Hands With Chris Jones
Chris Jones has developed into one of the top defensive linemen in the league, which has made his contract situation with the Kansas City Chiefs that much more interesting. Jones has maintained his stance that he wants to get paid like an elite talent at his position, but the Chiefs have yet to budge. Things may have become a bit dicier with words of advice from star running back Le’Veon Bell chipping in as a factor.
Chris Jones’ NFL career
Through his first four seasons in the league, Chris Jones has developed into one of the premier defensive linemen.
Jones has been an anchor on their defensive front as he has racked up 33.0 sacks, seven forced fumbles, and 136 total tackles since entering the league as the 67th overall pick in the 2016 NFL draft. He has earned a Pro Bowl selection, a Second-Team All-Pro nod, and was a crucial piece in helping the team earn their first Super Bowl win in 50 years.
The 25-year-old has worked through his rookie deal, which has earned him a hefty franchise tag for the 2020 season that pays him $16.1 million. The question around the situation has shifted toward wanting to get a new long-term extension before to keep him in Kansas City for the long haul. Still, it appears that process may have gotten a bit more challenging given his latest comments.
Chris Jones may follow Le’Veon Bell’s advice
It’s quite clear that the Chiefs hold significant value with Chris Jones by inking him to the franchise tag, but there hasn’t been any movement toward him garnering a long-term extension with the franchise.
NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo recently voiced that the team hasn’t come near the $20 million annually that Jones wants on his next contract. That didn’t take long for Jones to weigh in on the situation as voiced via social media that Le’Veon Bell told him about the situation and that he may not even play in 2020 if no new deal is in place.
That puts pressure on the Chiefs to get an extension done before the 2020 season as the deadline for any player under the franchise tag is July 15. Kansas City has been stern on not going beyond the $20 million threshold, but that could change if Jones is serious about sitting out next season.
There will be comparisons to what Bell went through, but he is younger than the star running back and doesn’t have the wear and tear that he went through. Nonetheless, it puts things in a tight spot just over two months ahead of the 2020 campaign.
What will the Chiefs do with Chris Jones?
The Chiefs have a clear picture of where Chris Jones stands with the entire contract situation; He wants to become the highest-paid defensive lineman.
Jones has put in the leg work to become one of the critical pieces of the puzzles defensively. He has been the anchor to their defensive line both as a run stopper and an interior passer rusher. His presence will be tremendous in helping the team continue to their strong push toward contending for more Super Bowls. The Chiefs do have the contract extension looming overhead with star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, but this may be the first order business for the franchise to care of before that deal.
There hasn’t been any indication that the Chiefs will budge toward the $20 million demand, but the pressing deadline in two-weeks time could change things on the negotiation front. Only time will tell if Kansas City will move toward Jones’ contract demands to avoid a Le’Veon Bell situation of their own.
