Chiefs DL Chris Jones Reporting For Camp Despite No New Deal

Adam Schefter reports that Chiefs DL Chris Jones is reporting to training camp despite not having a new contract.

According to the Katz Brothers, which are Jones’ representation, the lineman is content with playing out his contract and reaching free agency in 2020. 

“He knows his value and if he has to play out his deal in order to reach free agency, then that’s what he will do. For now, he’s focused on winning a Super Bowl for Kansas City,” per Schefter. 

Earlier this week, Sam Mellinger of the Kansas City Star reported there was “no movement” from either the Chiefs or Jones in contract discussions up to this point.

According to Mellinger, Chiefs want to give Jones an extension based on three years of possible club control that would total about $42 million. This deal would likely include between $45 million and $50 million in guarantees that could come in the form of a bonus.

If the situation gets to the point where there’s no deal and Jones is headed towards free agency, the Chiefs could still use their franchise tag on him and possibly consider trading him if they’re in a tough cap situation.

Because he’s still under contract, Jones had to report to the team by August 6 to receive an accrued season toward free agency. 

Jones appears ready to bet on himself and look to produce another big season before testing the open market in 2020. At that point, his asking price could be even higher.

Jones, 24, is a former second-round pick of the Chiefs back in 2016. He’s currently in the third year of his four-year, $6.231 million contract and set to make base salaries of $916,476 and $1.19 million over the final two years of the agreement.

In 2018, Jones appeared in all 16 games for the Chiefs and recorded 40 tackles, 15.5 sacks, an interception returned for a touchdown, two forced fumbles and five pass defenses.

We’ll have more on Jones and the Chiefs as the news is available.