Former Mississippi State DL Chris Jones Sits Out Season Opener Amid Contract Talks

The former Bulldog defensive lineman did not play in the season opener for the Kansas City Chiefs amid tense negotiations for a contract extension.

Former Mississippi State player and Kansas City Chiefs defensive lineman Chris Jones did not play in the team's season opener amid tense negotiations for a contract extension.

Although he wasn't on the field, Jones watched the game from a suite at Arrowhead Stadium as the Chiefs lost 21-20 to the Detroit Lions on Thursday night to kick off the new NFL season.

Jones has been holding out on the defending Super Bowl champions since the beginning of training camp, with reports suggesting that he is seeking around $30 million a year. With his holdout continuing into the regular season, Jones will potentially lose millions of dollars through lost salary and fines.

At a charity event this past Wednesday, Jones was irritated when asked if he was letting his teammates down by holding out for so long.

“How? How have I let them down?” Jones asked. “It’s just like when you’re at a job and you ask for an extension, right? You ask for a raise, right? You’re not letting anyone down. Who are you letting down?"

“… When you take the personal feelings out of it, you kinda get it. All I’m doing is asking for a raise.” 

A Mississippi State product, Jones was drafted by the Chiefs in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft. Since joining the Chiefs, he has become one of their most fierce defensive players on the field, recording 44 tackles and 15.5 sacks en route to a victory in Super Bowl LVII last season. He was also a finalist for NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2022.

Among other defensive players, only Aaron Donald and Nick Bosa are being paid more than the $30 million a year that Jones is reportedly seeking, and Jones may be well worth that money given his pivotal role on the defense since being drafted.

Jones also said that he is willing to holdout as far as through Week 8 of the season if to the two sides can not reach an agreement. It will be interesting to see how this situation develops.