Chris Jones mentioned he nonetheless hopes to signal a brand new long-term cope with the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs and indicated he might be able to play within the reigning Tremendous Bowl champions’ season opener Thursday.
Jones spoke to reporters Wednesday whereas attending a group charity occasion on the Ronald McDonald Home of Kansas Metropolis. The star defensive lineman declined to debate particular particulars about his contract stalemate with the Chiefs however mentioned he’s merely “asking for a increase” and emphasised that he doesn’t wish to be a distraction to his teammates.
“I can not actually discuss it,” Jones mentioned when requested in regards to the negotiations. “Hopefully it will get labored out.
“It is all the time been my purpose to be a Kansas Metropolis Chief for all times. I’ve mentioned that a number of occasions on social media platforms, from interviews — and so they know the place my place is at. Hopefully we will get one thing labored out for the long run.”
As for the brief time period, the Chiefs start their Tremendous Bowl protection Thursday night time towards the Detroit Lions within the NFL’s season opener. Jones was requested how quickly he might be able to play if he reaches a brand new cope with the Chiefs.
“If a deal will get carried out, I might be on the market tomorrow,” he mentioned.
Chiefs coach Andy Reid mentioned Tuesday that there was “no progress” in talks with Jones, who has one season left on the four-year deal he signed in 2020 however has but to report as he seeks an improved contract. Jones was to be paid $80 million over the 4 years, and the $20 million common would make him the ninth-highest-paid defensive deal with this season.
Jones was requested Wednesday whether or not he was apprehensive about letting down his teammates and in contrast his scenario to that of any worker who’s searching for a pay increase at work.
“How have I allow them to down,” Jones requested. “It is identical to once you’re at your job, and also you ask for an extension — you ask for a increase. You are not letting anybody down. Who’re you letting down for asking your boss for a increase?
“So once you take the private emotions out of it, you form of get it. All I am doing is asking for a increase.”
Jones, 29, reiterated that he was apprehensive about being a “distraction” had he determined to “maintain in” and attend offseason, coaching camp and preseason exercises whereas negotiating a brand new deal. The four-time Professional Bowler mentioned he has spent his offseason coaching in Miami and “staying centered, understanding that it is a course of.”
“I have been conserving in touch with my teammates,” he mentioned. “I am nonetheless figuring out each day, nonetheless doing related issues that they are doing in coaching camp.
“The camaraderie — we have a number of new gamers. I miss that side of it, however I will be able to go when the time (comes).”
