ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — Just a month ago, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid expressed optimism that All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones would be in attendance when the team opened training camp but he set a different tone Tuesday as quarterbacks and rookies check into the dormitory at Missouri Western State University.
“I don’t know that,” Reid said when asked about whether he expected Jones to report with the club’s veterans Friday. “I’ll have to just see how that goes. There’s communication going on. That’s the important part, then we just have to see.”
When the Chiefs wrapped up their mandatory minicamp on June 15, Reid sounded more optimistic.
“Chris (Jones) wasn’t here, kind of like last year, same type of deal,” Reid said. “That’s his choice. He chose not to be here. I’m sure he’ll be at training camp.”
At issue are the negotiations regarding a contract extension between Jones and the Chiefs. The 29-year-old All-Pro is under contract for 2023 with a base salary of $19.5 million and a salary cap hit of more than $29.4 million.
Both sides would like to get an extension done. For Jones, it would mean an influx of guaranteed money. The Chiefs meanwhile would gain much-needed cap space. The NFL Players Association public salary cap report Tuesday showed the Chiefs with just more than $1 million in cap space.
There is a cost, however, if Jones doesn’t report to camp on Friday. Starting Saturday he will be subject to a $50,000 daily fine for failing to report to camp. Under the collective bargaining agreement, fines assessed for unexcused absences during training camp cannot be waived.
The potential fines would be a small drop in the bucket, however, given the contract extension Jones seeks. Last week Quinnen Williams agreed to a new four-year $96 million deal with the New York Jets that included a $24.5 million signing bonus, $47.835 million guaranteed at signing and $66 million in practice guarantees. Jones should receive an extension that meets or exceeds those benchmarks.
Since Jones is under contract for the 2023 season, there’s no imposed deadline that must be met. Friday afternoon’s reporting deadline, however, is viewed as a target by both sides.
