Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones. Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

Chiefs HC comments on absence of Pro Bowl DT during minicamp

By Clark Dalton | Last updated 6/15/23

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid isn't concerned about Chris Jones' absence during mandatory minicamp.

"So Chris wasn't here," Reid said of the defensive tackle in a Thursday news conference. "Kinda like last year, same type of deal. That's his choice. So he chose not to be here. I'm sure he'll be at training camp."

Jones, who has one year remaining on his contract, probably skipped minicamp to signal he wants an extension. On Tuesday, he posted a clip to his Instagram of him making it rain imaginary dollars after he sacked Rams quarterback Bryce Perkins during a Week 12 victory.

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A post shared by Chris Jones (@stonecoldjones95)

Nate Taylor of The Athletic reported Jones wants a deal that will make him at least the second-highest-paid DT in the league.

Per Over The Cap, Tennessee's Jeffrey Simmons is currently the second-highest-paid DT at $23.5M per year, while Los Angeles' Aaron Donald is the highest-paid DT at $31.7M per year. So Jones would be looking for a deal within this range.

The Chiefs might be dragging their feet on a Jones deal because they're tight on cap space. They only have $1.09M in cap room, via Spotrac, second-to-last in the league.

Nonetheless, the Chiefs should find a way to pay Jones. The 29-year-old had a career year last season, tying for fourth in sacks with 15.5 in 17 games. Also, he finished third in Defensive Player of the Year voting behind Dallas' Micah Parsons and San Francisco's Nick Bosa.

Reid didn't seem worried about re-signing Jones since he's communicating with general manager Brett Veach.

"They'll work all that out," he said.

So don't be surprised if Jones and Kansas City agree to a new deal before training camp, as the DT could be a key component in helping the Chiefs win a third Super Bowl in five years.

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