Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones says he “just wants a raise” as he threatens to take his holdout into the regular season with Kansas City scheduled to face the Detroit Lions in the NFL's opener Thursday night.
The 29-year-old pass rusher already has accrued millions in fines for missing mandatory workouts, training camp and preseason games. If Jones does not report before Thursday, he will begin losing about $1.1 million in weekly game checks.“That’s what I have to ask,” Jones continued. “How have I let them down? It’s just like when you’re at a job, you’re asking for a raise, who are you letting down? When you take the personal feelings out of it, you can kind of get it.
His absence from the Kansas City defense could be particularly damaging given the loss of defensive end Charles Omenihu, who is suspended for six games for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy. That has left youngsters George Karlaftis, entering his second year, and first-round draft pick Felix Anudike-Uzomah as the Chiefs’ main pass rushers.
The Chiefs and Jones’ representatives were at an impasse until about a week ago, when general manager Brett Veach said their communication had increased in recent days. Veach was even optimistic that Jones would be available against Detroit. Chiefs coach Andy Reid was blunt when asked about Jones after their final practice Tuesday. Reid declined to say whether he has been involved in negotiations and has continually said that his focus is solely on the players that are available.
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