The Chiefs are off from practice today and are back on the field tomorrow morning. In the meantime, there is news regarding injuries and once again, defensive tackle Chris Jones continues his holdout. At this point, who knows how long it might last? But the longer it goes, the worse it gets. The Chiefs preseason schedule looks like this: @ New Orleans Saints on August 13, @ Arizona Cardinals on August 19 followed by a home game against the Browns to conclude preseason play on August 26. I’ll explain in detail what exactly is going on with Jones later in the article. But first, a lot of injury news.
Injuries Pile Up
Over the last few days, the Chiefs have unfortunately been bitten by the injury bug. While the day off today will help with recoveries, it’s a long list of players who are not at 100%. For starters, wide receiver Kadarius Toney is still rehabbing from his meniscus surgery earlier in the off-season and missed his fifth consecutive practice on Monday. Defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton is on the PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list recovering from ACL surgery. And unfortunately, he was not the only defensive player who is dealing with an ACL injury.
On Saturday, defensive back Nazeeh Johnson who is a big contributor to the special teams unit suffered a torn ACL in practice and he is out for the entire season this year. It’s a disappointment certainly but not the end all be all according to coach Andy Reid: “We’ve got some other guys who can play there but he’s a good special teams player and a good corner… he’s got a good attitude about it and he’ll get back when he can get back”. Lastly, defensive end Mike Danna missed practice Monday due to a calf strain, and linebacker Isaiah Moore was placed on injured reserve due to a knee injury. The undrafted rookie free agent reportedly had been trending in an upward direction during camp and was more than likely going to make the 53-man roster. NOW, to get to the main story that has dominated this off-season: Chris Jones and his contract… or lack thereof.
Time is Ticking for Chris Jones and Kansas City
No one knows if/when the star defensive tackle will end his holdout, show up to practice, or eventually play. For each day he has missed training camp which began July 21, he gets fined $50,000. So far, his fines have accumulated to $550,000… and counting. Jones is in the final year of his four-year, $80 million contract. Understandably, he wants a new contract and rightfully deserves one. In terms of the highest average annual salaries for defensive tackles, Jones made $20 million per year. Currently, Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald has the highest average annual salary per year at $31 million after signing a three-year $95 million contract in the 2022 offseason and there are a list of others at the defensive tackle position who got PAID this off-season and have higher average salaries than Chris Jones due to the shift in market value.
Defensive Ends Who Received New Contracts
1. New York Jets Quinnen Williams
Williams received a four-year, $96 million contract ($66 million guaranteed) the week prior to the Jets starting training camp. His average annual salary on the contract is $24 million. Last season, Williams set career highs in sacks (12), and quarterback hits (28). and 12 tackles for losses. He certainly is worth every penny the Jets are giving him.
2. Tennessee Titans Jeffery Simmons
Simmons signed a four-year, $94 million contract ($66 million guaranteed) in April. Simmons’ average annual value is $23.5 million. Last season, Simmons totaled eight sacks. What’s in store for the fourth-year pro from Mississippi State? Only time will tell.
3. New York Giants Dexter Lawrence
The last guy I wanted to mention is Dexter Lawrence. Lawrence got a four-year, $90 million contract ($60 million guaranteed). His average annual salary is $22.5 million. Lawrence is coming off a season where he had 68 tackles and 7.5 sacks. He’s the anchor of the Giants’ defensive line.
Closing
Chris Jones has a chip on his shoulder without a doubt. He is EASILY worth $25 million a year in my opinion. I have no doubt that he will send a message to general manager Brett Veach through his excellent play this upcoming season—time to pay up.
