The Kansas City Chiefs‘ season begins with a Thursday Night Football game against the Detroit Lions.
This will be the start of their quest to repeat as Super Bowl champions, something that hasn’t been done in nearly 20 years.
While many believe the Chiefs have one of the best rosters in the league, they are slated to begin the season without a top player.
Chris Jones continues to hold out due to his contract dispute with the team.
In a recent “First Things First” segment, Nick Wright noted his concern for Jones’ absence.
“Chris Jones not being there at this point is very surprising,” Wright said.
"Chris Jones not being there at this point is very surprising. On the table, he has a 2-year, fully guaranteed extension that's $27.25M/yr — 2 yrs/$54.5M. Chris wants 2 yrs/$64M — $32M/yr."
— @getnickwright reports on Chris Jones' holdout: pic.twitter.com/6Oh8EQV6yM
— First Things First (@FTFonFS1) September 4, 2023
Wright detailed the reported offer to Jones, a two-year, $54.5 million extension.
It appears Jones is seeking a total extension of $64 million, meaning the two sides are still far apart.
Wright believes the Chiefs’ offer to Jones is more than fair, as it is more per year than other players at the position.
He looked to Aaron Donald’s deal with the Los Angeles Rams, calling it an “outlier.”
The market rate for a top-tier defensive lineman is just over $20 million per year.
If Wright’s comments are correct, Jones’ per-year proposed average is significantly more than $20 million per season.
However, if he’s seeking a Donald-level contract, he could remain far away from the Chiefs in negotiations.
Jones is rumored to be willing to sit out for at least the first half of the season to show how serious he is.
Will the Chiefs let this situation go that far?
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